Norbertus #40

NORBERTUS

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

It’s incredible how fast time flies us by – who would have thought another year has passed, but it is no surprise that so much has happened in our St Norbert College community. This edition of Norbertus is testament to that – I simply relish reading of the exploits of the names so familiar to my connection with this great community, none more so than we read in this edition – Hulshoff, Kelly and Aoun – and my recollections of Michael Lewington, Mrs Allen, Jonathon Gimondo and of course, Peter Bol.

I expect that word has now spread of the imminent staff changes, typical at this time of year, but this edition of Norbertus will be the last for our esteemed

editor Mr Frank Mulligan and for me as the College Principal. Frank’s time at St Norbert College began as a teacher over 25 years ago and he has been widely recognised as being a tremendous educator but it is on this occasion that I would like to acknowledge the wonderful contribution he has made to our wider College community in this role as editor. We value so highly, and enjoy so much, the sense of community at St Norbert College. The adage that “you never leave” is a feeling that Frank has fostered, reinforced and brought to life through this work – we applaud you Frank and I thank you on behalf of all ex-students of St Norbert College.

From a personal perspective, I have never tired of reading

about students and staff from our community. As I mentioned in my first Principal’s report that I am enormously proud of my time as a student in the late 1980s, as a teacher here through the 2000s and now words fail to adequately define the privilege I feel to have been a Principal of our College. I said it then, that “my heart beats to a different rhythm when I think of St Norbert College” and this is even more the case now, but I look forward to jumping back over the fence and being witness to the amazing things that happen, as a very proud alumnus alone.

God bless you all, Simon Harvey Principal

EDITOR FROM THE

Welcome

to Issue 40 of Norbertus, the magazine dedicated to reporting on the lives, times and achievements of the alumni of St Norbert College.

Congratulations to Fr Peter Joseph Stiglich who just celebrated 40 years of priesthood, and thank you to Maureen Tavani who has written an interesting article that looks back at Fr Peter’s life and ministry.

Congratulations and admiration from all at Norbertus to Simon Harvey who is leaving St Norbert College to take over the principalship at Mazenod College in 2023. A remarkable student, teacher and leader at

the College over several decades, Simon’s influence on St Norbert College cannot be underestimated. We are all indebted to him for his outstanding service and loyalty, but more importantly for the simple fact that he is “a great bloke”. Best wishes for the next stage of your wonderful career, Simon.

There are all the usual columns – Rafic Aoun is our Guest Columnist; John Hulshoff and Amanda Allen are our Where Are They Now? special guests; there is a comprehensive SNESA feature; From the Archives delves deep into some dusty folders; the years 1992 and 2002 come under the spotlight with reunion coverage and flashbacks to what the College was like in those years; as well as alumni spotted at the 2022 graduation and much more.

There are some feature articles on St Norbert College alumni who are making their mark in a variety of fields – Peter Bol (Commonwealth Games), Michael Lewington (photography), Ryan Buckland (sports journalism) and Luke

Stamenkovich (music) – plus another Norbertine alumnus, President Joe Biden, and the link his alma mater, Archmere Academy, has with Queens Park.

This is my final Norbertus and I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the 14 issues I edited, especially Yvette Ricciardello for her outstanding production skills, Maureen Tavani for her alumni work and assistance, Lisa Quartermain, Kerri Hilton, Tania Harvey, the IT department, Trish Lehane, Rafic Aoun, Simon Harvey and the Leadership Team, and Fr Peter and the Norbertines.

On behalf of all our correspondents, columnists, operatives, photographers and production staff, Norbertus wishes all our readers the compliments of the season and a happy and safe 2023.

Frank Mulligan Editor

From the Bottom of My Heart

MR RAFIC AOUN (CLASS OF 2004) – GUEST COLUMNIST

To whom it may concern…

I’m inclined to premise this column with a Lebanese proverb that says “God, save me from the word ‘I’”, which culturally translated means “Don’t mean to toot me own horn”.

Thank you to Frank Mulligan and the team who produce Norbertus for the opportunity to write the guest column. So much as happened in my life since graduating in 2004, but not a whole lot has changed, if I am completely honest.

Whilst I enjoyed my school days, better memories have been created since then with the friends I made at St Norbert College, as many of us live the values we learned there. So, I won’t talk too much about the school years, as I also want to save some space for what I want to say later on to parents, teachers and students at St Norbert’s today.

I am very proud to be an alumnus of St Norbert’s. The school is a great community. I met some of the best people in my life there, who I am proud to call lifelong friends. The school shared highs and lows with me. This year, the Aoun family commemorated exactly 20 years since the loss of my mum Antoinette Aoun and my Aunty Pauline Aoun, just 47 days apart back in 2002. I remember that time in my life. Whilst it was dark, my school and my friends helped me get through it and our family is grateful for the respect, the love and the support shown to us by the community during that time. I remember today’s Principal, then teacher, Simon Harvey having a frank conversation with me between the Prémontré and Kilnacrott buildings to offer his support. I remember the late Brother Pat chatting to me about life and death during a walk through a muddy Waroona at Year 10 camp and just being a sounding board for me. Little things like that, I will forever be grateful for.

I also remember the biggest highlight of my time at the College, winning Champion House as Xanten House Captain in 2004. After Ms Stibi overlooked my candidacy for Head Boy – not bitter at all – and it being bestowed upon Groove 101.7’s own Yohan Vales De Menezes – again, not bitter at all – I remember it spurring me on to want to get up on stage at Presentation Night. Being Champion House was the only way. A proud moment for me; I was never the sportiest person going around, nor was I the most book-smart. But I knew how to talk to people. Together with Kara Moffit, Hayley Dawkins and my great mate to this day Scott Werner, we guided Xanten House to its first Champion House in a long time. I believe it was some time until Xanten were able to achieve the same feat again. That night will go down in history. What a night… What a victory… What a memory…

So, after graduating from St Norbert College, I studied sport management and journalism at Edith Cowan University. From there I secured my first full-time job at the West Coast Eagles as their merchandise coordinator. After two years there, I decided to leave.

Whilst I was a passionate West Coast Eagles fan, the novelty wore off and financial goals took over. I had to make the change if I wanted to set myself up, although on the other hand, I still haven’t lost the desire to go back to the sport or media industry.

I began an eight-year career in labour hire, working for Programmed Skilled Workforce as a recruiter, then account manager. I learned a lot about all different types of industries through this job. I say this, so that students who are not sure what they want to do when they leave school, or even after getting a degree, a labour hire role is not a bad place to earn some money while you figure it out. You

Mr Rafic Aoun meets with the City of Canning Mayor Patrick Hall in 2021.

learn so much about the reality of people, life and business in a short space of time. Especially when dealing with people.

During my time at Programmed I still needed to have my fix of sport administration. Therefore, after a short work stint in Port Hedland I came back to Perth in November 2015 and went down to SNESA footy training at Ern Clark Reserve. Christian “Scudz” Tufilli, an old St Joseph and St Norbert’s colleague was then the Senior Coach. There was no President, no Vice President, Ryan “Elmo” Edmunds (Class of 2004) was Secretary, and Chris “Milky” Millsteed (Class of 2004) was the faceless man behind the scenes whom I would come to know, love and sometimes only just be able to tolerate.

The Club had recently been in dire straits after two years of disorder on and off the field. Thankfully, after copping an earful from club godfather John Wilson (Class of 1985), the previous year’s committee managed to salvage a few dollars and the club remained afloat for another season. I put my hand up to be President, not knowing the full details of the status of the club. But I was happy not knowing. I looked around and I saw passionate faces and people who needed SNESA to succeed and were prepared to work. That’s all the motivation I needed. SNESA just needed direction and structure. The capital was there, its people.

2004 win in the House competition came after many years of cellar dwelling. Raf’s amazing ability to motivate his peers and younger students to always do their best was incredible and so important to us.”

Mr Chris Brehaut, Head of Xanten House 2004.

The old firm was still there from way back. Along with the previously mentioned names, other names like Baptist, Butler, Colkers, Colace, Kelly, Lupica, Lo Presti, Nelson, Rigg, Rynne, Williams and many more still rang through the halls. We were going to be OK.

2016 was my first year to observe, review and understand the systems we had to see what we needed to change, if anything. In some cases, there was no need for change. In other areas change was required immediately and in other areas it could be changed over time. We survived

relegation in C3 Grade amateurs. We managed to post a profit that brought our bank balance back to a decent amount. We had 70 players registered.

From 2017 up until 2021, the club had reached an average of 130 registered players per season, three senior teams, six finals campaigns in six years, including three grand finals. I stepped away from the presidency at the end of 2021. However, the momentum we had built, in combination with this year’s leadership, led the club to another grand final in 2022. Whilst the premiership eluded us once again, the Club has now been promoted to C1 Grade in the Perth Football League which is the highest grade the club has ever been, amongst the top 30 football clubs in Perth. My advice to young leaders is that it’s important to recognise that leadership and teamwork go hand in hand, especially in sport. Leaders must keep their ears to the ground. They must listen to the people they lead and make conscientious decisions that keep people on-board, to allow them to continue steering the ship. It is vital to identify the key stakeholders and key figures in your organisation. Keep them communicating and consulting with each other, this will make your decisions easier. In 2022, SNESA nominated me for a board position with the Perth Football League and in February I was elected by

Rafic catches up with St Norbert College Principal Simon Harvey at Parkland Mazda Oval.

Giving of his time for others – something Rafic Aoun can’t seem to do enough of. Xanten Day, 2004.

Rafic and his fellow Xanten House Captains worked tirelessly to secure the Champion House Award in 2004.

“Xanten’s

other competing clubs to the board. I look forward to serving on the board to help the PFL grow the football pie and get the recognition it deserves.

Workwise, I am now a regional manager with Containers for Change, managing the refund point network in the Pilbara, Goldfields and in the Perth Metro Area.

Before concluding, I want to wish my old teacher Simon Harvey all the best in his new venture. He has been an outstanding Principal and I look forward to having a beverage with him at a SNESA game soon, along with Frank Mulligan who has never forgotten us. Best of luck to Sharon Rainford

Finally on a serious note, I have a request to the parents and teachers of the students at the College, especially parents. As a former student who survived the odd insult or putdown by other students, I strongly advise you to hug your kids more! Teach your kids how to stand up for others who are being mistreated. As adults, we say kids will do kid things; that “it’s all a part of growing up”. But we remember how mean kids were when were at school don’t we? If you don’t remember, then maybe it was you? Only joking! You work hard to give your kids what you didn’t have growing up. Perhaps it’s also important to give them what we had too.

Teach them to have fun, teach them to be happy! Teach them to look after their fellow students, not just their mates. When we play footy, everyone who wears the uniform is your mate. Your job then is to protect them and work with each other to achieve success and happiness. Regardless whether you like your teammate, you must respect who and what they are! Otherwise, you will never be a winner, no matter how many awards you receive or how much money you make in life. Tell them to be grateful for every morning, the fresh air, the flowers, the trees, sport, footy, netball, soccer. Tell them not to worry about what others are doing or saying. One day that will be a distant memory. Make them appreciate art, colour, people, culture … life! I cannot stress this enough, from the bottom of my heart, to whom it may concern.

Thanks all. Until next time!

Rafic’s mugshot from the 2004 Melbourne-Canberra-Sydney History Tour booklet.

Rafic presents David Frawley with his 200 SNESA games medal at the annual Kevin Kelly Medal Night.

Rafic and his teammates celebrate a Reserves’ victory over Nollamara in 2016

NORBERTUS is Your Magazine!

Norbertus is an online magazine dedicated to telling the stories of St Norbert College alumni, Norbertines, former staff members and members of the College community, and your feedback and suggestions are always welcome. Norbertus is your magazine!

The editor is very grateful to the following loyal readers who went to the trouble of dropping Norbertus a line following the release of Issue 39 in June …

Thank you, such a pleasure to receive Norbertus and so many fond memories. Clare Doyle

Thanks for the recent copy of Norbertus, just had a read. You do great work for the St Norbert College community. It is so rewarding to see all the stories and positive achievements of everyone. Glad to see the articles on some of my colleagues and friends and the other great stories of people dedicated to education and young people.

Mick Devine

Great issue, very proud to be part of the College. Adam Di Placido

Thanks for the latest Norbertus. You do an awesome job of this publication, I just love it.

Kyle March

I have just finished reading Norbertus, what a wonderful edition. It is so rewarding to read about the achievements of so many St Norbert College students over the years – brings a smile to my face when I read it. You do a wonderful job with it. Mollie McPartland

What a great edition – really enjoyed Marriann’s story and great to see Adam get some profile. Very satisfying to feel that we have this real community bond and be part of it. Thank you for the chemistry that Norbertus provides to enable this to happen.

Trevor Saunders

Thank you for sending the latest Norbertus. It’s a fabulous magazine – truly. The ACC part and Helen Leahy’s contribution naturally caught my interest first, but the whole issue is packed with interest, even to an old Marist boy! I can genuinely say that the balance and quality of the magazine is far beyond what I’ve seen elsewhere. Dr Ken Spillman

Norbertus is always pleased to receive information about what our alumni are doing in Queens Park and the world beyond. If you have any news about alumni achievements, graduations, promotions, engagements, marriages, births, travel – or just what you are currently up to – please contact the Norbertus editor at snc@norbert.wa.edu.au

JUNE 2022 • ISSUE 39

NORBERTUS

Issue 39 of Norbertus.

The very first class, 1965.

Fr Laurence Anderson, foundation Principal of St Norbert College.

Ms Sharon Rainford: St Norbert’s Principal commencing 2023.

Some of the College’s most recent graduates, 2022.

1967: Brendan Mulvey and mates are excited about boarding a bus for an excursion.

2023: St Norbert’s ELF bus comes to the rescue of St Joseph’s students of Moora whose bus had broken down.

Bringing The Faithful Together

FR PETER JOSEPH STIGLICH O PRAEM

MRS MAUREEN TAVANI

NORBERTUS’S RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS EDITOR

On December 11, 2022, Fr Peter Joseph Stiglich O Praem celebrated 40 years of Ordination to the Presbyterate.

Fr Peter commenced his theological studies at Corpus Christi College, Clayton, Victoria. In his position as Master of Ceremonies at both his parish and the seminary, he met Fr William Fitzgerald O Praem who was also studying for the priesthood but at a different seminary. Knowing Fr William was an excellent organist, Fr Peter invited him to play the organ at some solemn liturgical celebrations. This acquaintance led to a shared interest in the Norbertine Order and, after visiting St Joseph’s Priory in Queens Park during 1976 and 1977, Fr Peter joined the Order in 1979. His 1982 ordination to the priesthood by Bishop Eric Perkins took place in St Dominic’s Church, East Camberwell, and was attended by Abbot Smith O Praem, Fr Peter O’Reilly O Praem, 400 priests, religious and laity. His parents, Arch and Moyra Stiglich, his brother Michael and sisters, Mary and Margaret occupied pride of place in the congregation.

In September this year, while visiting Germany after attending the Prelates’ Meeting in Rome, which included an audience

with Pope Francis, long-time friends Raphael Beuthner and his wife Martina chatted to Fr Peter Joseph about his 43-year commitment to the Norbertine Canonry.

When Raphael enquired where Fr Peter drew his spiritual strength from and what challenges he faced as a 24-yearold, such as the very early mornings, Fr Peter replied that

he grew up in a faithful Catholic family. He was educated by the Brigidine Sisters and the Salesians; both religious communities and his home parish were very influential. After attending Corpus Christi College, Clayton for six years from 1973 to 1978, with the possibility of ordination approaching, there was some serious thinking to do. He had always been attracted to the liturgical life of the Church; and felt the

Fr Peter Joseph Stiglich O Praem during an audience with His Holiness Pope Francis in Rome, in September this year.

personal need and call to live in a community of “fellow travellers”. The Norbertines, with common life, common prayer, common chapter and common recreation looked like fulfilling those needs.

Fr Peter said that because he had already completed his studies Fr Peter O’Reilly was very generous in getting him a dispensation to have only two years of vows, so he had only one year of Novitiate and two years of Simple Vows.

After only one year at Queens Park, Fr Peter O’Reilly, the then Prior, called Fr Peter in to his office and informed him he would be teaching three-quarters of a teaching load at St Norbert College from the following Monday! It was a busy weekend – but Fr Peter Joseph said he didn’t mind it. He

learned to be creative. That year he taught all Year 8 religious education and social studies – history and geography.

Fr Peter Joseph taught for all of 1980 academic year, then went to Melbourne to complete his studies. He returned to St Norbert’s in Term 1, 1982, then when Fr William went to a General Chapter in Steinfeldt, Germany, he took his classes for the last two terms of 1982. He continued to teach from 1983 until 1991, when he went to Europe to study. From 1989 to 1991 Fr Peter was was also involved in the process of the design, building and liturgical appearance of the new St Joseph’s Priory Church, which was dedicated on 19th March 1991. By then Fr Peter Joseph had been ordained for 10 years and the Prior, Fr Tom McNulty O Praem, decided he was going to undertake parish duties, but not before Fr Peter

Bringing The Faithful Together

took a sabbatical when he studied pastoral liturgy at the Irish Institute of Pastoral Liturgy in Carlow, Ireland. During the summer months he visited monasteries of the Norbertine Order from Britain to Rome, Germany, Austria, Belgium, France, Holland and Eastern Europe, and attended a colloquium for younger Norbertines in the German Abbey of Windberg, Bavaria. In September he travelled to the USA and the Benedictine University of St John at Collegeville, Minnesota where he continued studies in liturgy and spirituality. He returned to Western Australia in 1993 and became parish priest of St Joseph’s Parish Church.

When the Community was granted Quasi-Autonomy that year Fr Peter Joseph was appointed as the first Australian born Prior of the Norbertine Order.

Raphael was keen to hear more about Quasi-Autonomy. Fr Peter went on to explain that before Queens Park became an Independent Canonry it was a Quasi-Canonry, which is a community on its way to becoming a Canonry on its own. There can be different reasons for this, Fr Peter explained: “For us, it was because we were so far away from Ireland and all the decisions that were made, were made in Ireland, which was not ideal, because we were too far away. Yes, QuasiCanonry for us was about distance but Quasi-Canonry is also about financial stability, and we always had that.”

Fr Peter paid tribute to the founding fathers of Queens Park. “It is said that Fr Peter O’Reilly got off the boat in 1959 with five pounds in his pocket, so what we have is because of his, Fr John and Fr Stephen’s very hard work to put it all together. When you look back and think what they did with the little they had and the resources they had, they were outstanding. When people compliment me on what I have done over the years I say that I stand on the backs of those men because, it was them who put it all together. Fr Peter O’Reilly used to put sand in the back of a truck and carry it so that the buildings could be cheaper. They were all different kinds of people, but they were great men and Fr Stephen is still a great man.”

Raphael commented that each time he and his family visit

The ordination of Fr Peter Joseph Stiglich O Praem by Bishop Eric Perkins in St Dominic’s Church, Melbourne, on December 11, 1982.

Queens Park, there seems to be another new building at the College and asked if things had changed a lot and there was more funding available.

Fr Peter replied that they had always been very careful with their funding. Under every Principal not one of the buildings ever came in over budget. The focus was always about the kids. It was never about having the best of everything; it was about how the dollar could be best spent. He reiterated that St Norbert College stands on the backs of people like Fr Peter O’Reilly, Fr John Reynolds and Fr Stephen Cooney. Others as well. Fr Peter O’Reilly knew how to surround himself with the “right” people. All sorts of people! Fr Peter said sometimes you would look at a group of people Fr Peter O’Reilly had got together, and you would think “How in heaven’s name did that happen?”!

Returning to the subject of Fr Peter’s sabbatical, Raphael

wondered if visiting various abbeys had an influence on the way he understood Norbertine life. Fr Peter replied that one of the things about visiting other communities was that you got a cosmopolitan view of the order but pointed out that he didn’t really spend enough time at the various abbeys to be influenced one way or the other. He reflected that Norbertines at all the abbeys were very friendly and somewhat fascinated by “the Australian”!

In 1995 the Norbertine Priory of Queens Park was granted autonomy from Kilnacrott Canonry in Ireland and in that year Fr Peter Joseph was elected as Prelate (Prior) for a six-year term. He also became parish priest for the local parish of East Cannington and was named by the leaders of the Order to conduct the Visitations of two Norbertine communities in the USA. He rounded off the 1990s with a visit in 1999 to an Order conference about formation at Windberg in Germany.

The Norbertines of the Queens Park Priory celebrate the opening of St Joseph’s Church in 1991.

Celebrating Mass during a school camp in the 1980s.

Fr Peter’s ordination was featured in Melbourne’s Catholic newspaper, The Advocate.

A member of the teaching staff in 1980.

Bringing The Faithful Together 40 FOR YEARS

Martina felt it was time to ask if Fr Peter fell in love with the Norbertine liturgy.

Fr Peter replied that the liturgy is meant to be important. Fr William Fitzgerald was basically responsible for good liturgy at Queens Park when he came in 1973. Liturgy worked at Queens Park because everyone made it work. “Fr Peter O’Reilly was very open to letting William and I have our heads and do the organisation. From that point of view, even before then, the altar servers were very organised, all due to Fr William’s hard work.”

Raphael congratulated Fr Peter on being the cornerstone of the Queens Park Norbertine community but enquired if after 40 years of priesthood and 43 years of Norbertine life Fr Peter would have changed anything.

Fr Joseph Peter responded by saying he would not have done anything different as he felt he was the most blessed person he knew of. “Even if I get irritable at times, my life has been full of blessings,” Fr Peter said.

The one constant that many in our community will acknowledge is the presence of Fr Peter in Queens Park for much of our lives. There is a whole generation of past students who have benefited from Fr Peter’s wealth of knowledge and commitment to his vocation and his Lord; have continued their faith journey with him into adulthood and in many cases parenthood. Not only has he known them as a teacher at the College, but he has also prepared many of them to take the vows of marriage, he has baptised many of their children and blessed the souls of those who have passed on to eternal life.

On the day of Fr Peter Joseph Stiglich’s Ordination to the Presbyterate, in his homily, Bishop Perkins asked Fr Peter to “seek to bring the faithful together into a united family and to lead them effectively, through Christ and in the Holy Spirit, to God the Father.” Our friend and Prior has done that now, for 40 years. Thank you, Fr Peter Joseph.

Participating in a graduation ceremony, 2008.

in 2008.

Fr Peter presents Mrs Mollie McPartland with the Br Patrick Doolan Award

Fr Peter with good friend and regular visitor to Queens Park, Abbot Noyens.

During the solemn occasion of Br Patrick Doolan’s funeral in 2006.

On the occasion of the blessing and opening of the Br Patrick Doolan Learning Centre in 2010.

Fr

Fr Peter’s role in the parish extends to positions including membership of committees such as the 2002 Management Advisory Board.

Peter and the leadership team welcome Archbishop Barry Hickey to St Norbert College in 1995.

Taking religious education student on a guided tour of St Joseph’s Church.

Fr Peter (right) performs alongside David Martin in a 1988 stage production of “Charley’s Aunt”.

Celebrating Mass on St Norbert Day, 2001.

Norbertines celebrate the 40th anniversary of the founding of St Norbert College at Presentation Night in 2005.

ST NORBERT COLLEGE FAREWELLS

Mr Simon Harvey

(CLASS OF 1988)

There have been three incarnations of Mr Simon Harvey at St Norbert College: first, as a student in the 1980s where he fully embraced every opportunity the College could offer, winning the Year 12 P&F Leadership Award and being voted President of the Student Representative Council in 1988; second, as teacher and Head of Prémontré House for nine years around the turn of the century; and third as Principal of St Norbert College for more than five years, commencing in 2017. Often referred to – and for very good reason – as one of St Norbert College’s “favourite sons”, the College community learned in October this year that Simon was leaving Treasure Road to take up the position of Principal of Mazenod College, Lesmurdie, in 2023. While all at St Norbert College are sad to see him leave – Norbertus in particular – Simon takes with him our sincere thanks for a job well done, and our best wishes for a rewarding and successful career at Mazenod College, where he will no doubt continue to personify the St Norbert College motto of “prepared for all good works”. Following are some comments and observations about Simon’s departure…

Mr Peter Hawke, Deputy Principal, St Norbert College …

I was appointed to the role as Deputy Principal in 2016 for a Term Two start in 2017 allowing me to take long service leave in Term One as I transitioned between schools. I still remember when – as I was painting a room at home –Annette Morey called me to say that she was leaving and that the College would be seeking a new Principal to commence in Term Three. I hadn’t even yet arrived at St Norbert College and was already wondering who the new Principal would be.

When Simon Harvey was first announced as Principal of St Norbert College, the response from staff and the wider community was overwhelmingly positive. Not only was a “favourite son” and former staff member returning to the College, but in his time away he had built up a reputation as a knowledgeable, supportive and discerning leader – three qualities that he held and drew on in his time as Principal. The College has undergone an immense transformation during Simon’s leadership of the school. Whilst many of the successes drew upon the achievements of previous administrations, what Simon was able to do was to bring a sense of unity and common purpose across the staff, students and families of the College. This was invaluable when the College – like all schools – faced the challenges and worries brought about by the global pandemic. The sense of community that flourished in those trying times was a testament to the style of leadership that Simon brought to the College.

The other great quality of Simon that our community has benefitted from is his ability to connect with people in a genuine and authentic manner. Very much a ‘man of the people’, Simon is at his happiest when he is wandering out amongst the students during recess or lunch, or when he is attending

Simon’s 1988 Year 12 Koinonia photograph.

After more than five years of distinguished service as St Nobert College Principal, Mr Simon Harvey is leaving to take up the role of Principal of Mazenod College in Lesmurdie.

Simon, right, looking debonair in a College drama production.

student sports or when he helps on the till at Café 135. His friendly and engaging manner immediately disarms people and makes them feel that Simon has their best interests at heart – which for the staff and students of St Norbert College is definitely the case.

Simon leaves St Norbert College for a third time now but it is probably been these last few years that has contributed most to his legacy at the College. Mazenod College is very lucky to have such an outstanding Principal join them “up the hill” and I am sure that all of the experiences that he takes with him from

St Norbert College will benefit his new community. I have no doubt that Simon will make a great contribution to the Mazenod community but never doubt – despite whichever school he works at – he is St Norbert through and through.

It is with real sadness that I inform you of the resignation of our Principal, Mr Simon Harvey from the Ministry of principal of St Norbert College.

In the just over five years that he has been our Principal, Mr Harvey has been an outstanding Catholic leader in all aspects of the educational endeavour we call St Norbert College. Having been a student, a staff member and now Principal of our College, Simon has been truly “prepared for all good works”. While it is still some time until he takes up his new ministry, it is important that he knows how much we appreciate his work but more importantly who he is as a “lifelong” contributor to what St Norbert College is. On behalf of all members of the College community, I thank him for his enthusiasm and forward thinking for teaching and learning, his commitment to, and passion for our College.

Let us wish him, his wife Maria and family well, ask God’s blessing upon him, and pray that his future will be filled with happiness and delight, as he embarks on the next phase of his career and life. Mr Harvey very much sees his role in Catholic Education as a vocation not as a job; Mazenod is blessed to have him as their new Principal.

Simon, centre, as a member of the College First XVIII in 1988.

Mr Simon Harvey pictured with Fr Peter Stiglich and his immediate predecessor Mrs Annette Morey who moved from St Norbert’s to the principalship at Mater Dei College.

The St Norbert College cap fitted Simon well over several decades. Squeezing into his 1988 College blazer thirty years later might have been a different story!

Addressing an assembly in 2016 at Chisholm Catholic College where Simon was Vice Principal.

Simon, seated third from left, with his Prémontré House colleagues in 1999, his first year of teaching at his old school. Sharon Rainford, St Norbert’s newly appointed Principal is seated left, and Robert Henderson, standing fourth from left, is Aquinas College’s Principal, commencing in 2023.

Fr Peter Joseph Stiglich – Excerpt from Letter Sent to the College Community …

Simon was always the teachers’ favourite. He had no enemies; he was loved by everyone and was a great friend to all. From the beginning of Year 8, Simon was a very active member of our Class of 1988. He was involved in the Student Representative Council (President in Year 12), drama productions, sport and generally everything that was going. Fun times were had on the train to Armadale each afternoon and he wore very small and tight shorts and rocked the suave suit at the Year 12 ball!

I remember Mr Harvey, being the SRC President, giving an amazing speech at the Concert Hall in his final year. It was truly an inspirational speech and I feel it certainly had a great impact on the students there.

Of course, later on, when Mr Harvey was a staff member at the school, we did our first ever total staff pantomime to raise money for charity. We chose to do “Cinderella” and Mrs Cardenia was Cinderella, Ms Smith was the Fairy Godmother, Mr Gherardi was one of our stepsisters, and Mr Harvey played the very important role of Buttons, Cinderella’s best friend. Buttons loves Cinderella but doesn’t get to marry her in the end.

My memories of Simon Harvey as a student are many and varied. One of my favourite memories is of a staff-student play we performed called “Charley’s Aunt”. Simon played the role of Charley and Father Peter was in the play along with several other staff and students. It was a fabulous play and Simon was truly wonderful in the show. It was a joy to work with him as his director.

Simon was always wonderful when we held our endof-year Student Representative Council camps in Busselton. Every year we had a theme and one year we had the Busselton Olympics, another year we remade classic films using what we had. Simon was always involved in the camps and was always an inspiration to the younger students.

When he was in lower school, Simon was involved in a group called the Xanten Singers and this group put on a musical every year. Simon was the lead in a show called “Superman” and seeing Mr Harvey dressed in red tights, a Superman outfit and flowing cape, is certainly something I won’t forget

And finally, to our students – a school can have the best of everything, but it takes wonderful young people to create an amazing place like St Norbert College. The sadness I feel to be departing, is balanced only by remembering how lucky

I have been to be like you, a student at St Norbert College – let alone a teacher and recently – the College Principal. It has and will continue to have been the greatest of opportunities – I wouldn’t be who and where I am if not for my family and this incredible community.

Occasionally Simon would drop in to Miss Kerri Hilton’s drama classes to give a few acting tips. His 1988 performance in the College production of “Charley’s Aunt” is still talked about, earning high praise from his director at the time, who said Simon’s portrayal was “truly wonderful” and that he was “a joy to work with”.

Mrs Michelle Lucas (Class of 1988) Remembers Simon …

Miss Kerri Hilton Taught Simon in the 1980s …

Mr Simon Harvey – Presentation Night Speech Excerpt ...

Simon has worked at several other Catholic schools, including a stint as Deputy Principal at Emmanuel Catholic College, where he is pictured celebrating Book Week in 2009.

One of Simon’s hallmarks as St Norbert College Principal has been his eagerness to mix with and get to know all the students as well as possible. Prior to a trip to Japan in 2020, Simon “enrolled” in Japanese classes to learn some basic language skills.

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN…

A Norbertine Education

Elected leader of one of the most powerful nations on Earth, President Joe Biden of the United States is frequently in the public eye and often features in our nightly news broadcasts and other media outlets, so he is a familiar face to us all.

One fact about President Biden that some people might not be familiar with is that he attended a Norbertine school –Archmere Academy in Clayton, Delaware – for his high school years, graduating in 1961.

Archmere Academy was founded by the Norbertine Fathers in 1932 and while its student population of 512 is approaching half the number of enrolments at St Norbert College in Queens Park, there are several similarities between the schools, with the Norbertine ethos being central to the connections. Some examples include:

• Archmere Academy was established in a rural district in 1932 and St Norbert College was originally planned as an agricultural college, hence the Norbertines’ purchase of Kerry Downs at York in 1959.

• Archmere Academy’s first class in 1932 consisted of 22 boys, St Norbert College commenced in 1965 with 24 boys.

President Joe Biden is an alumnus of Archmere Academy in Clayton, Delaware. (Image courtesy of the White House).

• In 1975 Archmere Academy enrolled 50 girls for the first time and in 1976 St Norbert College went coeducational by enrolling 37 girls.

Norbert Hall at Archmere Academy.

Joe Biden (second from left) pictured during his student days at Archmere Academy.

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN… A Norbertine Education

• Archmere’s core values are community, respect, zeal, reverence and wisdom. St Norbert College’s are community, respect, friendship, adaptability, commitment and heritage.

• While Archmere’s motto is “faith and knowledge”, the school often refers to St Norbert’s motto of “prepared for all good works”. In a November 12, 2020, statement on their school website, Archmere Academy announced: “Archmere Academy cultivates empathetic leaders who are prepared for every good work, and now the first alumnus of the school has been elected to this country’s highest office. Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. ’61 has been elected 46th President of the United States of America”.

• Like St Norbert College, Archmere has a student ministry program which promotes student participation in a variety of charitable causes, provides opportunities to participate in various liturgies, conducts retreats for each class and Kairos retreats for interested senior students.

• Archmere Academy has more than 40 clubs, activities, organisations and student-led events – similar to St Norbert’s extracurricular activities and sports competitions.

While Archmere Academy and St Norbert College may be 18,661 km apart geographically, St Norbert’s teachings of service to others, commitment to community, spirituality and prayer shine through in the day-to-day life at both schools. Archmere Academy alumnus President Joe Biden is welcome at Queens Park anytime!

Archmere Academy football player, cheer squad members and supporters celebrate winning a Delaware state football championship in 2021. (Image courtesy of Delaware Online).

President Joe Biden is presented with a framed No. 30 Archmere Academy jersey (President Biden’s number at Archmere) during the school’s football team visit to the White House on Monday, July 4, 2022. (Official White House image by Adam Schultz, courtesy of Delaware Online).

Ad omnia paratus: Norbertines in Clayton, Delaware and Queens Park’s Founding Fathers about to depart Ireland.

HISTORY REMEMBERED Mr John Hulshoff

A child migrant from the Netherlands, Mr John Hulshoff initially commenced his working life as a painter before a chance encounter while working down south saw him change careers and pursue a career in education. In 1972 John commenced teaching at St Norbert College in a part-time capacity but went on to become the College’s longest serving teacher, amassing an amazing 37 years of teaching mathematics and a wide array of other subjects. Renowned for his cheery smile and positive attitude – as well as his all-season dress code of dress shorts and long white socks – John was kind enough to answer a few questions when Norbertus recently knocked on the door of his beautiful home in Perth’s eastern suburbs.

Norbertus (N): Today Norbertus is lucky enough to be chatting with retired long-serving St Norbert College staff member, Mr John Hulshoff. John, a very warm welcome to Norbertus and thank you very much for your time.

Mr John Hulshoff (JH): My pleasure.

N: Can you please tell our readers a little about your early years – where you were born, where you went to school and so on?

JH: I was born in the Netherlands and came to Australia by boat as a three-year-old with my mother, brother and three sisters in 1950. My father had arrived in Australia nine months earlier and he had built a modest home – a little shack really – in Cannington and then he sent for mum and family.

N: So, he built the shack – or house – himself and then got the family out?

JH: Yes, although he got some help with the house. The man who sold him the one and a half acres was a builder who helped with the construction, but dad had to push him hard to get the job done. The builder had a real “She’ll be all right” attitude but the pressure was on dad to have a family home ready to welcome his family, which he managed to do. My schooling was at St Joseph’s in Queens Park and then St Francis Xavier’s in East Victoria Park.

N: Why did your parents come to Australia and how readily did they adapt to the lifestyle here?

JH: It was just after the Second World War and dad wanted a change and a better life for his family, and he chose Australia. Mum was also looking forward to going to Australia but when she arrived, she was overwhelmed, unable to speak English, away from her home and family and it took some time for her to adapt and accept Australia as her new home. Mum learnt English by looking at the women’s magazines and talking to neighbours. Dad could speak English as he worked as a chef and on ships bound for America, and he also worked for KLM, the Dutch Airline. As kids we very quickly learnt English and the Australian way of life once we were at school.

N: Norbertus used to be KLM frequent flyer.

JH: There was no such thing as frequent flyer points in those days but I’m sure dad had an employee discount.

N: You started your working life as a painter, didn’t you? What drew you to that profession and how did you find the position?

JH: Because Xavier’s was only a junior high school, I had to decide to go to another school to complete Years 11 and 12 or join the workforce. I didn’t have a plan and it just so happened that during those Christmas holidays I was offered an apprenticeship in painting with an immediate start. I was very happy to be given the opportunity, not knowing what the five-year apprenticeship

Mr John Hulshoff, pictured here in his garden, taught at St Norbert College from 1972 until 2008.

would involve. I learnt a lot of life and work skills during my apprenticeship and when I finished, I started out on my own.

N: Really, straight away? Very entrepreneurial.

JH: It wasn’t as complicated in those days, you just applied for your registration, no questions asked, and off you went out on your own.

N: Is it true that you began to wonder about a career in teaching when you were doing a painting job and saw some rather dejected students departing from a school, and you thought you might be able to chip in with more of a positive influence on the students?

JH: Yes, towards the end of my apprenticeship I did a job in Williams at the postmaster’s house which was just down the road from the school. We’d start at 7am and I used to see all the students and staff walk past and I thought to myself if I was a teacher there, I’d be happy talking to the kids and so on. Silly thought really, but that’s where and when the seed of becoming a teacher was planted.

N: No, it’s not silly, it’s positive and Norbertus ’s memories of you at St Norbert’s were always of someone who was happy to be there with a smile on your face. So where did you study teaching and do your teaching practicums?

JH: In the early 1970s if a school was prepared to employ you teaching part-time – which I was as a primary school teacher – a special two-year trained correspondence course was available to gain your qualifications. I did these courses in one year and then completed a four-year part-time course at Mt Lawley Teachers College for my Diploma of Teaching.

N: So, no teaching pracs at all?

JH: No, I never did any formal teaching pracs at all. However, there was an ex-Education Department principal, Mr C. Jones, who was also teaching at St

Norbert’s primary, and he acted as my mentor. I guess you could say, I trained on the job.

N: So, was St Norbert College your first teaching job? What year did you start and how and did the position come to your attention?

JH: Yes, my first and as it turned out, my only teaching position. I started in 1972. I was asked by Mr Mick Devine if I would be able to fill a part-time role teaching in the primary section of the College. He had already spoken to the principal about offering me the job.

N: How did you know Mick?

JH: I met Mick at primary school, and we grew up together. We were also in the YCW during our teenage years. We have been friends ever since. We have even been seen together at the Northam and Pinjarra horse races in the past.

N: So how did you enjoy your first year of teaching? It must have been a bit of a shock.

JH: On the contrary it was a great experience and I loved it, absolutely loved it. I enjoyed it so much I was disappointed when the holidays came. It just so happens I still have contact with quite a few of the first group I taught – the Class of ’77.

N: Old Paul Kelly and all those blokes who remain as thick as thieves?

JH: Yes. We all learnt something through those years. One thing that comes to mind was the spelling lesson. I wanted them to spell a word and I’d use it in a sentence. The word was sometime misinterpreted in such a way that the boys would be laughing themselves silly and I would be appropriately embarrassed. Now, I count these men, as they are now, as friends and equals and Mick and I always receive an invitation to the Class of ’77 reunions.

1974, standing, centre.

Mr John Hulshoff, the early years: 1973. 1975, seated, centre.

Koinonia, 1985: John Hulshoff, back right, with fellow staff members Mark Carrol, Anne Keillor, Cheryl Gardner and Kara Vandeleur.

N: Understood! Norbertus assumes you probably picked up most of your teaching skills in your first few years in the classroom as opposed to the theoretical lessons completed by correspondence. When did you become full-time?

JH: I became full-time in 1973, and you are right, you certainly learnt your teaching skills quickly in the classroom. As I mentioned before, I was fortunate to have Mr Jones as my mentor and guide. He was a positive influence during my first two years. I had to teach most subjects in those days and after two years I was Year 8 Homeroom teacher and responsible for most of the subjects taught at that level.

N: Who was the principal when you started, and did you have much contact with him?

JH: Fr O’Donohoe was the principal at that time. I used to meet him quite frequently at the East Fremantle Football home games and this was even before I started at the College.

N: A big WAFL fan, excellent!

JH: Yes, he was and he could be quite vocal if he didn’t like the decisions made out in the middle.

N: So, a bit of insider trading! You probably signed the contract on the bar at the East Fremantle Football Club.

JH: Well it could have been, but not so … Mick Devine, deputy at the time, had already spoken to Fr O’Donohoe about employing me. He had confidence in Mick’s ability regarding staff and hence this was the start of my tenure at St Norbert’s.

N: Actually, Fr O’Donohoe was in an article in the last issue of Norbertus where he said that when it came to running a school, he was “as green as the fields of Ireland” and thought of himself as the headmaster, while Our Lady was the real principal! The College grounds must have been pretty spartan back then. Norbertus often hears about flooding on the oval in winter which the boys seemed to quite enjoy. Can you recall what that was like?

JH: Yes, very much so, but it was just part and parcel of College life at St Norbert’s in those days. Tuesday afternoons were dedicated to sport, and we knew if it rained the oval would be flooded – no drainage at that time – and the boys looked forward to playing on the wet and muddy grounds. By the end of the first quarter of football, most boys were saturated and covered in mud. However, there was always one who had managed to keep his sports gear clean and dry – but not for long – and at the start of the second quarter they were all saturated and muddy. After a shower and change they could all go home clean and dry in school uniform.

N: What were class sizes like? And what where the actual students like?

JH: The class sizes varied. Dependent on subjects, the lower school – Years 8 to 10 – were generally larger with 35-40 students. The upper school – Years 11 and 12 – were considerably smaller. I enjoyed those early years so I would have to say the students were easy to get along with. They all spoke English well, even though many had parents who came from overseas. I also met and knew most of the parents well. Teaching just boys I could call “a spade, a spade” but when the College went coeducational in 1976 I changed my teaching methods – which I was always adapting – and threw out the “spade” and introduced the “shovel”.

N: Or an earth-inverting implement!

JH: That’s right.

N: Is it true that back in the old days, teachers would quite openly smoke in front of students?

JH: Yes, unfortunately, I did hear of one particular teacher that did smoke openly in front of class but it wasn’t a common practice.

N: That’s amazing. A former guest columnist and alumnus, Mark Kelly, recalls there being a smoking room for students. Can you recall this too?

John taught the members of the Class of 1977 several subjects when they were in Year 8 and has attended many of their reunions over the years. Mr Mick Devine (former St Norbert College Deputy Principal, second from left) and John are seen here at such a reunion at the Broken Hill Hotel in 2017 with Peter Cox, Paul Kelly, Clinton Wallace and David Bianchini.

John supervises some trust game activities during a Year 10 camp.

JH: Yes, during 1973, there was a designated smoking room set up for a few Year 12 students who smoked. The logic was it was better they smoked in a controlled environment rather than running off to all corners of the College grounds. This was short-lived and was not continued when those students left.

N: Amazing. What extra-curricular pursuits did you get involved in?

JH: I coached and managed a few football teams, but Year 10 camps were what I enjoyed the most.

N: Norbertus was coming to the camps, especially the Year 10 outdoor adventure camp with which your name was synonymous for so many years. What were they like?

JH: Those camps were character builders, challenging students to be out of their comfort zones by walking 10km between the different camp sites, abseiling, canoeing and using the flying fox. I enjoyed them and always looked forward to the week-long camp. However, by the second day of camp, I would question myself as to “What am I doing here”? But by the end of the week, I had my answer – It’s a great bonding experience between students and students, and students and teachers. Br Pat was the architect of this camp which had been going since the 1980s. The one rule he introduced and insisted on was that all Year 10s – without exception – must attend the camp. I now believe it is known as the Year 9 camp.

N: Yes, it dropped down a year level. What was so appealing about them – just getting to know the students?

JH: Exactly. You had your own group of about 30 students with two teachers in charge of each group. You certainly do get to know them for better or worse. The interesting part I experienced each time was the first couple of days you hear the grizzles and complaints, the TV shows they are missing out on and the food. But by Friday the attitude for the most had changed and was “Can’t we stay another

day or two”? These camps certainly hit the spot and if you talk to an ex-student and mention the Year 10 camp they generally talk about it in a positive sense.

N: What about a trip to the north of WA that you helped organise?

JH: Yes, this trip was organised in 1973 for 35 students to visit our north during the September break. The group was predominately made up of St Norbert College students from Years 6 to 12, and some Mazenod students who made up the numbers to allow the trip to go ahead.

On the bus were the 35 boys, Fr Smyth, myself, a cook and the bus driver. Fr Smyth had just come out to Australia from Coventry – and I mean the city, not the circumstance – and the heat just knocked him for a six. We went as far as Fitzroy Crossing, camping on the side of the road. This is not something you would do under those sorts of conditions and circumstances nowadays.

N: Poor old Fr Smyth, but the kids must have loved it.

JH: They really did. It all went well although I found out later that when we went through Carnarvon the kids had helped themselves to a few bags of lollies from the shops there. Other than that, it was a great trip. We saw Broome and Geikie Gorge and we also did a tour of a mine site. It wasn’t too expensive, and the kids got on well and Fr Smyth survived – but only just.

N: Norbertus has just realised 1973 was only your 2nd year of teaching. That was quite an expedition to take on at such an early stage in your career. No doubt all the health, safety and other regulations of the day as directed by the College, Catholic Education and the Education Department were assessed, addressed, and fully documented!

JH: Things were done so differently back in the early 1970’s. I sometimes look back at that time and realise how fortunate we were not to have anything go wrong.

John catches up with Vivienne Cantem at a Class of 1984 reunion at The Camfield in 2019.

A proud Magdeburg House Homeroom teacher, John spurs on his charges during Maggie Day celebrations.

Although it was a memorable trip enjoyed by all, however, if I was asked to do it again, would I do it? Yes, but with a lot more adult supervision.

N: Who were some of the prominent Norbertines you recall in the early years of your career at St Norbert’s?

JH: The earlier Norbertines I remember were a nice group of men but all so different from each other. Fr Peter O’Reilly, was the prior and the businessman and if money was needed he would go out and find what was needed. Fr Joe O’Donohoe, loved his sport, especially his football. Fr Gerard Cusack, loved riding his pushbike when he visited the sick at home or at the local hospital. Fr John Reynolds was devoted to St Theresa. I would often ask him how St Theresa was going and he was always very happy to respond. Fr Stephen Cooney tended the Norbertine farm at York and was the parish priest of York and Tammin. Fr Heron was the parish priest at Maddington. Finally, Bill Fitzgerald, a good musician who came to see what the Order was like and became a Norbertine, known as Fr William. He was also responsible for starting the Guild of St Stephen in 1977 for altar boys.

N: And what about some memorable lay staff?

JH: There were many memorable lay staff in the early days. Des O’Sullivan and Mick Devine worked well together and changed the direction of the College. In order to increase student numbers, it was decided to introduce girls to the school by 1976. Kathy Jones and Carole Hayes, two of the first female teachers to the College, played a significant role facilitating the introduction and managing the welfare of the first group of Year 8 girls. Kathy was also instrumental in developing the girls’ uniforms, that are still worn today. Brian Rogan was a plus for the College and staff as he would advocate on behalf of staff. However, he did have some unique classroom management skills that he must have brought out from Ireland.

N: Brian certainly was memorable, although he did call Norbertus Kevin for about three years. Norbertus also recalls the time in about the very early 2000s when he was

congratulated on giving a very effective address at a staff meeting and in response, he admitted he felt pretty chuffed because it was the first time he had delivered a PowerPoint presentation. The chairperson of the day politely pointed out the technology he had employed for the first time in 45 years was in fact an overhead projector!

JH: Sounds like something yours truly would do! Thinking back though, in general, I think I used to get on well with most teachers.

N: Norbertus can certainly vouch for that John, you were always extremely friendly and engaging with all sectors of the College community. Probably a difficult question, but did any of the principals you worked with stand out for you?

JH: All the principals I worked with had their strengths, but Des O’Sullivan was a standout. During his tenure he had two years to plan and introduce coeducation to the College which included a building program for the additional classrooms and facilities. He and Mick Devine worked to progress the College from a small, boys only school to the College of today. Both have buildings named after them. Des was extremely popular with both staff and students and I recall a debate with a fellow teacher about the merits of selling Amway products. He stated he was going to be worth a fortune by the time he was retired. I said “I’ll be better off in my life without resorting to selling Amway.” His response: “That’s the trouble with you Dutchies – you’re all too arrogant!” Des was sitting nearby, and he turned and said “You should never compliment a Dutchman.” That ended the argument. I would also like to mention Fr Peter O’Reilly who had a big influence on the College. He appointed Des O’Sullivan as the first lay Principal. He also managed to get the finances required to start the building programme and I believe he was instrumental in the building of the new St Joseph’s Church.

N: Your four sons attended St Norbert College while you taught there. How was that for you, and what were the boys’ thoughts about it?

John completed 37 years of service at St Norbert College, currently a record for the school.

Born in the Netherlands, John, and his wife Rhonda, base themselves there during overseas holidays and enjoy trips to other European destinations.

JH: It didn’t bother me to have them at the College as they were never in any of my classes. It was convenient to have them at the College for our family situation at the time. I let the College and staff know that all correspondence and issues, good and bad, regarding the boys should be directed to my wife Rhonda. The boys all went to St Joseph’s Primary, a feeder school for the College, so they came with a lot of their friends. They all seemed to cope with their “old man” being a teacher at their school. I did instruct them though, that if students bad mouthed me to them, that it wasn’t worth a bloody nose and to let it go through to the keeper. They have all turned out to be level-headed adults. It’s only since the boys have their own families now that I hear some stories, good and bad, about their time at St Norbert’s.

N: What are some of the big changes in education you witnessed during your time as a teacher?

JH: Well of course one change was that thick book … you know … the one that you could use for a doorstop. Technology was another big change during my teaching time.

N: I think you may be thinking of Outcomes Based Education, which Norbertus fully embraced and could not heap enough praise and gratitude on the Education Department and Catholic Education for devising! Those were a few wasted years we could never get back!

JH: Yes, that’s it! I remember a particularly worthwhile two or three-day seminar that the Catholic Education Department presented to us.

N: Norbertus unfortunately also recalls that and regretfully must take a fair degree of the blame for that event. Deputy Principal Mr Bruno Caledin asked Norbertus for some thoughts on OBE which unfortunately he forwarded to Catholic Education. They sent a team out to investigate the College’s progress in implementing OBE and determined our staff needed a two-day seminar to get back on track, which led to the cancellation of

a two-day overnight camp at Yanchep the staff were looking forward to attending. To this day, Norbertus hopes the threats of violence and intimidation received from several colleagues were just harmless attempts at humour!

JH: So, you were to blame for that fiasco! Another big change was the introduction of computer technology which was to play a bigger part in teaching. To get my head around this was a big ask. As there was no pressure on me to continue working, I decided, in 2008, that this would be my final year of teaching. I was given a very warm and wonderful farewell from the Norbertines, staff, ex-students, and even past teachers. It was a nice way to say goodbye and to this day I have no regrets.

N: You did return to house painting for a while, didn’t you?

JH: I did but it wasn’t planned. Rhonda was still working full-time and so to fill my days I started painting a room or two here and there for friends. Soon I was working five days a week and realised I needed to set myself up on a proper business footing. I enjoyed my first profession the second time around as I was able to pick and choose the work I undertook. Also, the advances in paint technology (such as no more lead-based paint) meant you could now use water-based paint for all surfaces. When Rhonda decided to retire, I called time on my painting business and we spent the following years travelling overseas.

N: You worked at St Norbert College for a record 37 years, John. Did you ever contemplate going to another school at any stage?

JH: No, not really. It wasn’t planned but 37 years is a long time. Rhonda had gone back to full time work, and it suited us for me to continue working at the College and bring the boys to school. I was enjoying my work and apart from maths, I was teaching some art classes. In 1990 the College celebrated their Silver Jubilee. A committee was formed to recommend various functions

Always the dedicated teacher, John prepares to do some professional development during one of his European trips.

to celebrate the event. One of those functions was the ExStudent Ball which I worked on with Mollie McPartland.

N: Mollie McPartland! If ever the College motto of “Prepared for all Good Works” could be personified, that person would be Mollie!

JH: Yes, I agree. Mollie worked in administration, she was very well organised, and nothing was too much for her.

N: A rousing Hear! Hear! From Norbertus . As we touched on before, you have remained in close touch with the Class of ‘77. Do you still get along to their reunions? Norbertus remembers seeing you at one held at the Broken Hill Hotel about three years ago.

JH: Yes. I still get invitations to all their reunions. The last one was at the Ambassador Restaurant in Cannington where there were about 20 from the Class of ‘77 in attendance. I also go along to the reunions of the Class of ’84 that are held every ten years.

N: How do you spend your time nowadays, a bit of grandparent duty?

JH: We do see the grandchildren every week. We have five grandchildren whose ages range from three months to nine years. I get involved but Rhonda does most of the work, making morning tea and lunches and so on I also swim every morning in an effort to keep Father Time at bay.

N: That’s great John. Anything planned for the future, such as travel, perhaps?

JH: We don’t have anything planned at the moment but we have done a lot of travel since I fully retired. We’ve been to the Netherlands on numerous occasions. On our last trip just before COVID, we visited Spain, Italy, and Brazil and all these countries became COVID hot spots. We were very lucky to get back home. However, we do foresee more travel in the future.

N: Any Australian trips in the planning?

JH: No set plans at this stage but would like to think that we can still manage a few more overseas and local trips.

N: John, thank you very much for your time this morning. That’s about all the questions Norbertus has. Anything else you would like to add?

JH: Talking this morning has reminded me of a lot of history that I haven’t thought about in a long time. I enjoyed my time at the College and feel I retired at the right time for me. Rhonda and I are now enjoying retirement, grandparent duties and travel.

N: Thank you, John, and congratulations on your magnificent contribution to St Norbert College over several decades. Norbertus wishes the best of luck to you, Rhonda and all your family for the future.

JH: Thank you.

John and former St Norbert’s staff member Mr Robert Reeves enjoy a spot of wood-turning in 2006.

John was the first St Norbert College teacher to reach 20 years’ service.

John settles in for dinner after a day’s sightseeing.

TRIBUTES TO Mr John Hulshoff

Perhaps the most rewarding of all John’s school experiences was teaching the less academic students in all curriculum subjects. By doing this John got to know the students well and understood the difficulties they were facing. He introduced them to the workforce, one day each week, and then discussed how they got on the following week. This practice, which is quite common today, enabled the students to select a trade that suited them and in which they were to find satisfaction and employment for years to come.

Another aspect of his spirit of community was John’s ability and willingness to welcome new or trainee teachers in the staffroom. He would never hesitate to extend his hand, introduce himself and the others at the table and make everyone feel comfortable and at home.

John, as the river of changing waters that is St Norbert College continue to flow strong and vibrant and you prepare to step ashore, remember that no matter how well the school prospers in the future, it is because of you and your amazing contribution to its past.

I am privileged to say that John has been my friend from when we attended St Joseph’s Primary School in Queens Park in the early 1950s.

As so many people in the St Norbert College community know, John Hulshoff has been a dedicated, student-focused teacher and generous member of SNC since 1972. John always encouraged and supported students and enjoyed helping them achieve their best. John promoted fairness and a passion for being part of the St Norbert College community.

There are so many snapshots of John’s contribution over many years, but I have recorded just one as an example of John’s commitment, dedication and passion to always assist students in their educational and life journey:

A special curriculum initiative was introduced to the College in 1983 to provide a range of courses in Year 11 for students who were uncertain of their career options and who were not planning tertiary or TAFE studies. This highly successful program, a response to

specific educational priorities of several Year 11 students at the College, was coordinated by John, Kathy Jones and John Hammond. To this day, students in that program indicate that it was a great influence on their transition to “life after school” and the “world of work”.

As a personal reflection I am proud to say that John and I are still good friends and we still go for a beer and a chat. This first started from the early 1970s when we were young at SNC. Some students would remember that a few of us on a Friday afternoon, around 4.45pm, would go to the “post office” (also known as the Coronation Hotel, or “Coro”) for a drink, just over the paddock and close to the train station. I am pretty sure that this was John’s first ever beer. We occasionally went to the Waverley Hotel on Albany Highway. We still enjoy some celebrations and remembering good times and students from the late 1960s to the 1980s at the new Waverley in Carousel Shopping Centre.

Congratulations John on the occasion of this Norbertus acknowledgement. I am sure many people will have many great memories and stories to share.

Mr Peter Cox is a member of the Class of 1977:

John was one of my favourite teachers and I have fond lasting memories of being taught by him. He had a special ability to engage students and make the classroom interesting. John guided us in our hilarious Year 8 hit play and he picked up on my love of mathematics and helped extend me.

Mr Paul Kelly, CPA, is a member of the Class of 1977:

John was our Homeroom teacher in 1JH, and was a very important part of my life as a student. He had a great rapport with most of the students and was quite close to us in age in 1973. His treatment of all the students (we were last all male class in SNC) was more than fair and helped me in my years at St Norbert’s and gave me a great basis for my future career. I was lucky enough in 1980s to play Gaelic football with John for many years as well. In fact, he was the Queens Park Gaelic Football Club’s treasurer and I audited their books! John is a true and trustworthy gentleman, and we were lucky to have John in our corner.

Mr John Hulshoff shortly before his retirement.

St Norbert College stalwart Mr Brian Rogan wrote John Hulshoff’s farewell article in the 2008 Koinonia, including the following excerpts:

Good friend and former colleague in the 1970s and 1980s, Mr Mick Devine penned these words for John:

Mr Paul Kelly and Mr Peter Cox.

LOVED EVERY MINUTE Mrs Amanda Allen

St Norbert College hit the trainee-teacher jackpot in 1986 when three aspiring teachers – Sharon Rainford, Lidia Di Guiseppe (nee Latino) and Amanda Allen (nee Morris) – completed their longterm practicums at Treasure Road and, because of “their worth and ability”, according to Mr Brian Rogan’s comments in the 1987 Koinonia, “the three lovely lassies were literally snapped up by the College” and offered full-time teaching positions. (Norbertus is not entirely sure “lovely lassies” is a politically correct term to describe young, female teachers but has decided to include it to retain historical authenticity).

recreational snooker program at the College for several years which – according to some qualified observers – coincided with the “golden era of St Norbert College snooker”.

Born the youngest of five in Bunbury, Amanda’s family moved to Perth and settled in Rivervale where she commenced school at Tranby Primary, went to St Augustine’s Primary School and then completed her high school years at St Joachim’s High School which is now Ursula Frayne Catholic College.

Despite having an intrinsic love of literature and history, Amanda initially felt drawn to studying veterinary science after school, but a work experience placement soon put an end to that dream. “After a pretty disastrous Year 10 work experience at a veterinary surgery in Ascot that dealt with racehorses, I decided to pursue a career in English teaching,” Amanda said. “Some of my teachers at St Joachim’s inspired me to seek a career in education, especially two of my English teachers – Jane Kavanagh and Sue Baker – who really fostered my love of literature.”

Amanda found St Norbert College to be a very welcoming environment and this extended to the College leadership team, the staff, the students and their families, and the Norbertines.

For Amanda Allen, who was fortunate to have Kathy Jones and Chris Kowald as “amazing mentors”, this marked the start of a 13-year teaching career at St Norbert College where she taught English, religious education, health education and one semester of computing, which according to Amanda involved staying one step ahead of the students and spending a lot of time rebooting computers. Amanda served as Head of Tongerlo House and Norbertus’s research assistants discovered that she was also in charge of the Tuesday afternoon

“The staff were very supportive of my development as a teacher, especially those in leadership positions such as Tom Corcoran, Carole Hayes, Peter Glasson and Desirée Grzenda. I also shared an office for many years with Brian Rogan and Denis Drake who were so knowledgeable and supportive, as well as both having a great sense of humour,” Amanda said. “My time at St Norbert’s holds many great memories and I forged wonderful friendships with people like Melissa Anthony, Denise Jordan and Marie Carbone with whom I still catch up and talk about our St Norbert’s days.”

Amanda enjoyed the sense of camaraderie created by the staff, who worked together and encouraged and supported each other for the benefit of the students. “Schools are busy places and it is

Mrs Amanda Allen commenced her teaching career at St Norbert College in 1987.

Amanda and good friends Denise Jordan, Melissa Anthony and Marie Carbone at a College ball.

In Kagoshima in 1998-1999.

In

rewarding to work together to make things a success,” she said, “especially in a school like St Norbert’s where it was important to recognise the diversity of the students in the school and to embrace and celebrate these differences. The students and their families became a big part of my life and I really enjoyed the lively discussion and energy in my classes.”

In addition to the supportive staff and vibrant student body, Amanda says the presence of the Norbertines added a special dimension to the formative years of her teaching career. Like all good religious education teachers who have worked at St Norbert’s, Amanda can still retell the story of Norbert’s conversion, but says the Nobertine experience is much more than learning the story of a saint, and says working with the Norbertines was a significant reason why the time she spent working at the College holds a special place in her heart. “It was such a privilege to work in an order-run school and to have them present in day-to-day school life. Working with Brother Patrick and Father Peter gave me a real insight into their faith and the significance of the Norbertines world-wide. The creation of the different Houses named after significant Norbertine sites in Europe brought this home even more.”

In addition to her teaching duties, Amanda immersed herself in a range of extra-curricular activities including retreats, camps, sports and the occasional theatrical performance. The retreats facilitated deeper relationships with her senior students and Amanda discovered attending outdoor education camps was not as unappealing as she imagined, especially when Tony Hillas was in charge. “Female staff members were always in high demand to attend and the PE department was very persuasive, but this did mean, however, that I got to experience activities I wouldn’t normally have signed up for, such as abseiling and caving, and I ended up enjoying them!”

Another memorable experience for Amanda was taking part in the staff-student production, The Importance of Being Ernest, as part of the College Creative Arts Festival, playing the role of Miss Prism, the governess, who had some very funny lines. “Rehearsals were always lots of fun and I admire the patience of Kerri Hilton and Trish Van Nus dealing with myself, Anthony Byrne and Brother David, as we were not as well-trained as the student cast members,” Amanda laughed.

In 1998 Amanda, accompanied by her husband Jeff, was selected to accompany six students – Ricky Cvejic, Sarah Jackson, Natasha Abreu, Serena Chen, Donna Szlezak and Greg Hulshoff – on an exchange visit to Kagoshima, Japan. “The trip was a fantastic experience and luckily the students looked after me

Tongerlo Homeroom in 1992.

Amanda and her husband Jeff with the leadership team of Sacred Heart College, Kagoshima.

front of Mt Sakurajima, Kagoshima’s active volcano, in 1998.

Amanda brings her first-born son Nicholas into the St Norbert College staffroom.

because Jeff and I did not have a word of Japanese between us,” Amanda said. During one occasion on a train station, while Amanda and Jeff were trying to determine their location on a map, the students boarded a train which promptly departed, leaving the teachers-in-charge in a mild state of panic. “It was a scary moment – as I looked up the doors closed and I had no idea where they were headed! I just hoped they would jump off at the next station and wait until I got there which thankfully, they did. Travelling pre-mobile phones wasn’t easy!” (In an extraordinary coincidence, which some readers might find difficult to believe, Norbertus just happened to be in Kagoshima on a fact-finding mission at the same time and bumped into Amanda and Jeff at a vegan restaurant where we enjoyed moninguti, or morning tea together).

Another rail experience Amanda and Jeff have shared was in 1996 when the couple took a year’s leave and caught the Trans-Siberian Express to Europe through China, Mongolia and Russia, and then made their way through Canada and the US. As an avid reader who especially enjoys history, Amanda loves to travel because it brings her reading experiences to life. “I love travelling to places where I can foster my love of history, and Jeff and I have continued to travel and take our boys – Nick, Josh and Lachlan – as much as possible. We all managed a trip to Japan in January 2020, just before COVID.”

After working at St Norbert College, Amanda spent some time at Kolbe Catholic College before moving to Santa Maria College where she is currently Head of Enrichment (Years 9 to 12).

While she is busy with her career and family life, Amanda often thinks of her time at St Norbert College, which she left more than 20 years ago. “St Norbert College was the school that gave me my first teaching job and I have so many great memories of the staff and students – I loved every minute working there. It has been wonderful to see the development of the school over the years and to bump into past students to hear where life has taken them.”

Norbertus congratulates Amanda on her magnificent contribution to St Norbert College and Catholic education in Western Australia and wishes her and her family well for the future.

Partaking in a tea ceremony in Kagoshima in 1998.

A family holiday in Japan in 2020.

“I think the most powerful thing out of this whole 800, out of this whole athletics journey is the impact we’ve had off the track and how much support and love we’ve had.”

PETER BOL Breakthrough at Birmingham!

Congratulations to Class of 2012 alumnus Peter Bol who won silver in the 800m final at the 2022 Commonwealth Games held in Birmingham in August, this year. In an extremely close finish, Peter just failed in his desperate bid to run down reigning champion Wycliffe Kinymal of Kenya, by the narrow margin of 0.14 seconds.

A mere ten years earlier, Peter was burning up the track at Ern Clark Athletic Track as Prémontré House Captain and Open Boys Champion before embarking on an international athletics career that would see him become an Australian household name. Supported by his Prémontré Head of House Helen Leahy and her father Brian Moore, who mentored and coached Peter, the refugee from Sudan burst on to the world athletics stage at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics where he finished seventh in his heat.

Five years later in Tokyo, Peter endured the disappointment of being swamped in the last few metres of the men’s final and missed out on a place, but captured the hearts of the nation and made Australia proud, with the St Norbert College community riding every centimetre of the journey!

At Birmingham, after what can only be described as a disappointing World Championships series a fortnight earlier in Eugene, Oregon, Peter won his heat comfortably and went into the final as race favourite.

After a tight first lap, Kinyamal and Bol drew clear from the pack at the final bend and fought out a tough home straight struggle before the champion Kenyan held sway by a narrow margin at the finish line, leaving the Thornlie local to collect a welldeserved silver medal.

After the race Peter said he was left with a “bittersweet” feeling – on one hand he was ecstatic at having secured a medal at a major world meet, but felt he would have triumphed over Kinyamal if the race had gone for a just few more metres. “I wanted the win, but starting with a medal, that’s what we wanted,” Peter said.

He also took a philosophical view of his athletics journey over the past decade or so and particularly the last couple of years. “I think the most powerful thing out of this whole 800, out of this whole athletics journey is the impact we’ve had off the track and how much support and love we’ve had.”

Peter thanked his parents and family and for their unwavering support and also his support team which had worked so hard for this moment to materialise. He dedicated his medal to his family and his country.

Peter’s athletics journey has been followed closely by everyone at St Norbert College and many comments of support flooded the College’s social media pages in the build-up to his final in Birmingham.

Mr Peter Bol (Class of 2012), pictured during a visit in 2021, has taken the College motto to the world.

At last year’s Olympic Games there was a lot of media attention on Peter’s St Norbert College origins and his “How far is 400 metres, Miss?” question to Helen Leahy back in Year 9, after she asked him if he could run in a race.

Upon his return to Australia, Peter visited St Norbert College to film a segment for last year’s Presentation Night video and he thanked the College community for their support: “I just wanted to pop in and say thanks to the St Norbert College staff and students for the amazing support, encouragement and wishes during the Olympics – that shout-out from the assembly was incredible –thank you. I also wanted to send my best wishes to Fr Peter and the Norbertines for their 900th anniversary.”

Congratulations, Peter, next stop Paris!

Athletics Australia promoted Peter on Day 7 of the Commonwealth Games and congratulated him later that day on his medal success. (Images courtesy of Athletics Australia)

Peter has established himself as Australia’s No1 800m runner and claimed a silver medal at this year’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. (Image courtesy of Athletics Australia)

Peter graduated from St Norbert College in 2012.

Peter together with his mentor and coach, the late Mr Brian Moore, Brian’s daughter Mrs Helen Leahy, and 6PR’s Howard Sattler after an interview in 2016.

COMMONWEALTH GAMES SILVER MEDALLIST Congratulations Peter Bol

St Norbert College is enormously proud to be associated with Peter Bol. Peter is a shining light for our College values especially the value of Commitment. His achievements speak for themselves, his commitment to excellence and determination know no bounds – but it takes a special person to show so much humility, gratitude and respect for those who support him. Peter Bol is already an iconic Australian and a beacon of excitement for our College community.

Peter Bol has taken this whole country on an amazing journey, whether they follow athletics or not! The medals are almost immaterial.

Watching this young man from Thornlie, our St Norbert ex-student, stride to the peak of his chosen field, has ignited a spark of joy in so many of us. Even better for him, is the amazing opportunities he has enjoyed in the lead-up to these elite meets, the international and domestic travel, the making of friends around the world, all the while taking a little piece of Queens Park along for the ride. Of course, we are proud of his achievements. But nothing eclipses the level of pride we have in him, the young man, living his dream.

Wonderful news to wake up to here in WA. This was an absolutely tremendous performance by our very own Peter Bol who has taken home silver in the Commonwealth Games 800m men’s final.

Congratulations, Peter. Your home State could not be prouder.

St Norbert College alumnus Mr Peter Bol (Class of 2012) won silver in the 800m men’s final at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. (Image courtesy of Athletics Australia)

Mr Simon Harvey Principal, St Norbert College

Mrs Samantha Mark Peter Bol’s Prémontré Homeroom teacher

Mr Mark McGowan Premier, Western Australia

COMMONWEALTH GAMES SILVER MEDALLIST Congratulations Peter Bol

I first met you in 2012, Peter, as SNC Prémontré House Captain. You impressed me as a wonderful young man then. From “How far is 400m?” in the late 2000s, to a fantastic silver medal in 2022. I keep saying it – I am so proud of you, Peter Bol, you are a champion!

Mrs Maureen Tavani Former SNC staff member

Peter Bol is an absolute legend. He has shown kids that it is possible to overcome adversity and to achieve amazing things! A true inspiration.

Holly

Giles

St Norbert College Sport Captain

It would be easy to watch Peter Bol and simply marvel at his talent. It’s worth reminding ourselves, however, that talent counts for nothing unless something is done with it. It needs to be nurtured and encouraged, given opportunities to develop, stretched through the realm of pain, challenged by doubt, fortified by failure. Peter’s successes on the track are less a mark of talent than testimony to the journey he has taken to honour that talent. He acknowledges this himself – and that, Peter Bol, is truly inspirational.

Dr Ken Spillman Author/ ACC historian

Year 7 student Blake

Everyone at the ACC is so proud of Peter Bol’s achievement. A silver medal in the 800m at the Commonwealth Games is a wonderful reward for his hard work and dedication. Peter is not just an athlete; he is much, much more than that. He is a torch-bearer for inclusion and diversity in our community. He is passionate about promoting inclusion, celebrating diversity, and helping marginalised young people find their place. Well done Peter, you are a great Australian!

Mr Kyle March Director of Sport, ACC

My portrait was for an assessment in our regular media art class. I was inspired to do it of Peter Bol because our assignment was meant to be of a positive role model and because I knew about him running in the Olympics and going to St Norbert College, I thought he’d be a fitting choice. I feel excited that an Olympian went to my school and it makes me feel like I have a chance of achieving more than I thought I could have.

Blake O’Brien Year 7 Student

the subject of a media art class assessment he completed.

Peter

O’Brien chose Peter to be

in the 2012 Koinonia.

Peter’s silver medal was one of Australia’s record haul of 178 medals.

2012 Premontre Head of House with House Captains Hannah Connolly and Kelli Greaves, and College Captain, Peter Bol.

Nautical Nomads

MR MICHAEL LEWINGTON AND MISS CATHERINE SIMONS-LEWINGTON (CLASS OF 2003)

Mr Michael Lewington and Miss Catherine Simons-Lewington (both Class of 2003) met at St Norbert College, became a couple and got married several years later and proceeded to set up a life for themselves that is so varied, exciting and interesting that Norbertus believes it could easily feature in a lifestyle adventure program on television.

Michael is the first to admit that he was often asked to accept advice from staff on how he could better live out the College motto of being “prepared for all good works”, but looks back on his time fondly at Treasure Road, including playing “king of the pack” footy, covered in mud and being told off for tackling. “I got in trouble on the odd occasion but learnt a lot, made great memories and wouldn’t change any of it for a second,” Michael said, adding that his favourite subjects were metalwork with Mr Don Cencic and science with Mr Robert Holt. “Metalwork was always a laugh with Mr Cencic who was a hilarious fellow, and science and 1st XVIII footy were great fun with Holty who always had great life advice to offer.”

Norbertus remembers Catherine as being a quiet and dedicated student who adopted a demurer approach during her time at St Norbert’s. Catherine recalls enjoying chatting with friends during recess and lunch and enjoying her studies, especially art class. “Art with Mrs Durrant was my favourite subject,” Catherine said. “Being creative in class with her was always a pleasure.” Like Michael, Catherine has positive memories of her experience at St Norbert’s, recalling it as an inspiring time. “St Norbert College was a magical place to go to school – I remember being excited about the future and having so much ambition and energy!”

The couple still keep in touch with some former classmates and their partners, including Peter Mola, Angus Webster and Brad Looby. “Yes, sadly I couldn’t seem to shake these guys off and we still talk about my TEE score – or lack thereof!” Michael laughed.

Mr Michael Lewington and Miss Catherine Simons-Lewington (both Class of 2003) are pictured on the South Island of New Zealand. During the COVID pandemic the couple were based in Auckland.

Wedding fireworks in Koh Samuii in 2015.

Catherine and Michael in the 2003 Koinonia.

After determining he was not university bound, Michael started working in the mining sector and Catherine followed her creative ambitions by commencing a jewellery apprenticeship. Michael’s career in mining evolved into commencing a diesel mechanic apprenticeship, and then working in fire suppression systems which saw the couple spend a stint working in the mining industry in remote regions of Canada, before the -40°C winters saw them return to Australia.

Back in Perth, Catherine worked as a flight attendant with Qantas before a chance discussion with one of Michael’s Kenwick footy teammates prompted the couple to investigate working in the superyacht industry in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In what Michael calls a “huge leap of faith”, the couple moved to Fort Lauderdale, took all the required courses and soon secured work as a deckhand and a stewardess aboard a 59-metre Explorer sailing to the Bahamas where Michael said it was the “bluest water we had ever seen”.

Their very next assignment was a 19-day cruise from Fort Lauderdale to St Petersburg, situated on the Baltic Sea, but it was not all plain sailing. “We experienced a terrible week of the bow going under water in 5m seas with sea state as high as the vessel’s bridge – very scary!” Michael recalled.

Since that rather adventurous trip, Michael and Catherine have sailed over 100,000 nautical miles (that’s approaching five times around the equator) and some of their favourite destinations include the Galapagos Islands, Norway and French Polynesia.

Currently Michael and Catherine are enjoying working on a superyacht owned by an entrepreneur who has allowed the couple to diversify their employment roles in a very dynamic and exciting industry. With more than 11 years’ experience and seniority behind them,

Michael and Catherine “are privileged” to have a 10-week on, 10-week off roster which allows them a lot of time to visit Perth or travel “home” to Vanuatu where they are renovating a house and immersing themselves in the local culture. “It is really incredible calling Vanuatu home –the people here are so nice, they all wave and smile and just go with the island flow. Learning the local language, Bislama, is fun and the blue holes and oceans link up here well, with what we do for a living.”

During work assignments Catherine is the purser and works with the captain to ensure that the owner and guests’ needs and requests are met, as well as managing other areas such as the crew’s payroll and the vessel’s logistics.

Michael’s position has evolved from deckhand to overseeing a variety of projects for his employer, including photographing and filming the experience of guests on board, making documentaries and soundtracks, teaching crew members underwater cinematography and – most exciting of all – overseeing the establishment of a new marine research company. “This will hopefully open up the possibility of learning more knowledge of our oceans,” Michael explained. “We’ll have special guests on board and aim to take people for a ride on that journey. I’ll be spearheading the media productions and aiming to have them broadcast. So, lots of exciting objectives on the horizon.”

One spin-off as a result of his passion for photography and travel has been the establishment of his private photography business, Michael Lewington Photography (www.lewingtonphotography.com), which sells remarkably beautiful still images but includes cinematography as well. “I’ve successfully merged my passion with how I make a living so I

Catherine’s favourite subject at St Norbert’s was art. She is pictured here working on an entry in the South Metropolitan Region Councils wheelie bin decoration competition.

Michael enjoyed playing football at St Norbert’s under coach Mr Rob Holt.

During a year spent in Thailand studying yoga and Muay Thai.

The island of Moorea, French Polynesia. Michael created this sweeping panoramic image out of nine individual photographs.

am incredibly lucky to be given the opportunity to fully immerse myself and try again if I fail first time around,” Michael said. “I’m self-taught and never went to film school, so creatively I am lucky enough to be in a position where I can try new techniques and storytelling ideas for my boss.”

Having worked for more than a decade in the superyacht industry, Michael and Catherine have seen their fair share of celebrity guests on board, which they found fun and exciting, seeing how the rich and famous operate. “It is eye-opening to see the impact of enormous wealth has on people, sometimes it’s positive but a lot of the time it is negative,” Michael said. “Charter work has been a humbling experience for us; what Catherine and I have taken away from it is you don’t have to be filthy rich to enjoy life.”

Despite some intensive questioning from Norbertus, Michael and Catherine – true professionals – were reluctant to tell many stories due to confidentiality clauses signed with guests. “I can say, however in 2013 we had Judge Judy on board a charter, followed later by a unique voyage with the President of Kazakhstan.” Michael said. “Judge Judy is my mum’s favourite, and she was great – exactly how she is on TV.”

Norbertus knew what the response was going to be, but felt obliged to ask the couple if they could ever see themselves returning to Perth, settling down and getting a “normal” job. “That’s a big negative. We love home but our life is always interesting, challenging and despite even being stressful at times, we can see the progression we have made, personally and professionally.”

Finally, on the topic of what advice Michael might give himself as a 17-year-old leaving school back in 2003, he said he wouldn’t have stressed so much and been so hard on himself when he found the going a little tough. “Also, I wouldn’t have been such a nuisance and spent so much time in

LEFT: Crossing into calm Russian territorial waters after a 19-day journey from Fort Lauderdale, including a week of treacherous seas that Michael described as “very scary”.

RIGHT: Michael is a self-taught photographer, cinematographer and documentary maker, and is pictured here making a documentary on the Kermadec Islands, New Zealand.

detention with Angus Webster! He was definitely the problem

congratulates Catherine and Michael on their achievements to date, thanks them for their time and wishes them many more years of smooth sailing as they continue their wonderful life adventure together.

Superyachts: some of Catherine and Michael’s workplaces.

Sint Maarten in 2013 when Michael first started to develop an interest in astrophotography.

Michael and Catherine pictured in front of the 60m “Majestic”, the first boat they worked on out of Fort Lauderdale.

Mr Luke Stamenkovich

ALL MUSIC

Mr Luke Stamenkovich (Class of 2011) is a professional musician who is making waves in more ways than one on the local, national and international music scenes. A member of Mr Robert Reeves’ Prémontré Homeroom class, music played an important role during his time at St Norbert College from the time he enrolled.

“One of my happy memories at St Norbert College would have to be the lunchtime music jams with the Year 11s and 12s when I was in Year 8 or 9. It really helped me settle into high school life and I still see some of them in the Perth music scene sometimes, which is awesome,” Luke said.

Luke paid tribute to St Norbert College Director of Music Mr Bruce Culver for cultivating his love of music, giving him guidance and just generally discussing the world of music with him.

“Mr Culver gave me great music career advice, that down the track in my career definitely came to help me out which I’m forever grateful for. I also really loved the general music and music history chats we would have.”

Such is Luke’s passion for music, there are not enough hours in the day, and even in his downtime Luke goes out of his way to take in other artists’ shows. “I’m definitely all music when it comes to hobbies and interests. If I have time off from playing shows, I will normally go watch other concerts or shows. I’ve been fortunate to travel around the USA and visit the UK and I look forward to doing more travelling while touring in future.”

Luke Stamenkovich in full flight.

In early November, Luke was awarded bronze prize in the BWH Music Group W.A.M. Awards for 2022’s Best Instrumental Song, a great achievement considering the W.A.M. Awards celebrate the year’s most prominent independent artists from around the world and across multiple genres and categories. Norbertus congratulates Luke on his passion and achievements in the world of music and wishes him many more years of success and happiness as he pursues his music goals.

Recently Luke was in a Catholic Education Western Australia feature article which discussed his career and thoughts about music, as well as telling the story of how Luke has teamed up with some international artists to record his debut instrumental EP “Chasing Dreams”. Norbertus is grateful to Catholic Education Western Australia and Mr Lyle Skipsey, Communications and Media Manager, for kind permission to reproduce the article.

The launch of an EP in 2021.

The Broome Cup, 2022.

LEFT: Every musician’s dream: playing The Viper Room, Los Angeles.

NORBERTUS

RIGHT: NRL finals match at Optus Stadium.

Former St Norbert student excels in music industry

Former St Norbert student, Luke Stamenkovich has teamed up with band members from Gwen Stefani, Shania Twain, Pink, and others to record his Debut Instrumental EP ‘Chasing Dreams’.

Speaking about the recording process, Luke said:

‘Recording my EP was both challenging but extremely rewarding and a great experience. Due to the global pandemic and having everyone half way across the world was a fun thing to navigate, I remember being awake at 5am while guitarist Joshua Ray Gooch (Shania Twain) was tracking his feature solo in LA for me over Zoom.

‘The recording process was actually quite smooth though due to the technology we have now, I would set up the sessions here for everyone then send it to them and they would track their parts and send them back to me via dropbox or Google drive and then we would import them into the session and mix. A few years ago something like that wouldn’t have been possible. It was also great keeping productive and busy during the lockdowns, really making the most of some extra time I normally wouldn’t have because I’d normally be busy playing shows.’

Asked about the highlight of his time in the music business, Luke said:

‘I played in LA at the famous “Viper Room”, I remember before that trip I set myself a goal to play at the Viper Room Sunset Jam night event that was run every Monday night, I never expected it to be my first ever LA show but I worked hard and was fortunate enough to be called up and then also called back again which had a snowball effect and led to some other gigs.

‘Recording my Instrumental record is definitely a highlight too, I really feel that it has some of my best guitar work and composing.

‘Something more local, would have to be playing at Optus Stadium to over 30 thousand people during the NRL Finals. I was actually called about 40 minutes before the band was meant to start as an emergency fill in for the guitarist, I remember having to learn one of the songs 5 minutes before we started and then walking onstage and the stadium was full, definitely a career highlight.’

And of his time at St Norbert?’

‘St Norbert’s definitely helped with setting me up in my music career, I was always doing the guitar ensemble performances, class bands and music nights and school performances, that really just got me playing constantly and learning different styles of music.

‘I would always go into the music room at lunchtime if it was free to get some extra practice in and jam with other students, I remember jamming a lot with the year 11/12s when I first got to St Norbert’s. It was always something I enjoyed.

‘I actually still see some of them around the Perth music scene from time to time which is awesome.’

Looking back on teachers who influenced him, Luke remembered music teacher, Mr Culver:

‘I remember him telling me how having a good ear is important but so is the theory, which I really struggled with for quite a few years, I ended up working out that I need to know how to apply the theory I’m learning to guitar and my playing to actually understand and absorb it, I guess everyone is different with how they learn but he was incredibly patient with me and I was always grateful for that.’

Asked about any advice he had for students wanting to pursue music after school, Luke said it is important to be open minded:

‘To have a sustainable career in music you need to be able to diversify your playing to suit whatever genre of music you could be called to play. Whether its pop, funk, jazz, hard rock, whatever the style listen and play it all, even if it’s a style you don’t like try just listen. Sometimes you’ll find something really cool within it that you can use later-on.’

He also noted the importance of having a great work ethic and being the person a band/artist is going to call knowing you’ll come in and do the job with no stress.

‘A lot of people will use a rehearsal to learn the songs or their parts, I go to the first rehearsal as if it was the first show, I’ll play all the parts exactly like it is recorded and learn secondary guitar parts as well in case they want you to add those. You want to make the artist/band that called you feel confident and stress free. If you go into a rehearsal or gig doing this, you’ll instantly be the person that gets called back and recommended to other artist/bands.’

‘Chasing Dreams’ is available on all streaming platforms. Luke is releasing a live album on 28 November, alongside a full show on his YouTube channel.

This article is reproduced in Norbertus courtesy of Catholic Education Western Australia.

‘St Norbert’s definitely helped with setting me up in my music career, I was always doing the guitar ensemble performances, class bands and music nights and school performances, that really just got me playing constantly and learning different styles of music.

Luke Stamenkovich

SNCIN Snapshot 2002

PRIOR: Fr Peter Stiglich O. Praem

PRINCIPAL: Mr Peter Hayes

DEPUTY PRINCIPALS:

• Mr Shaun Kenny (Learning)

• Mr Robert Henderson (Middle School), Mrs Jennifer Oaten (Acting, Term 3)

• Ms Jenneth Stibi (Senior School), Mrs Sue Dyer (Acting, Term 3)

HEADS of LEARNING AREAS:

• RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: Mr David Byrne

• ENGLISH: Mr Donald Nield

• MATHEMATICS: Mrs Sue Dyer, Mr Peter Chandler (Acting Semester 2)

• SCIENCE: Mrs Jennifer Oaten, Ms Megan Wride (Acting Term 3)

• SOCIETY & ENVIRONMENT: Mrs Katherine Branchi, Mr Frank Mulligan (Acting, Term 1)

• LEARNING TECHNOLOGY: Ms Colleen Ranger

• PHYSICAL EDUCATION: Miss Lynn Moxham BUSINESS MANAGER: Mr Michael Papali

ST NORBERT COLLEGE DEVELOPMENTS INNOVATIONS

& ACHIEVEMENTS:

• Fr John Reynolds’ 70th birthday was celebrated at a festive meal in York which also commemorated the foundation of the Norbertine presence in Australia on May 11, 1959

• 200 computers were connected to the College’s wireless fibre optic network

• The last of the College’s classrooms were fitted with air-conditioning

• The inaugural Warmun immersion experience, attended by two staff and 11 students, was one facet of the College’s expanding Christian Service Learning Program

• The College bus service was extended to include south-eastern suburbs around Canning Vale

• Twilight tours of the College were made available to prospective parents

• The College advertised at Hoyt’s Carousel and featured in a two-minute promotional video on Channel 9 in September

St Norbert College Principal Mr Peter Hayes delivers his Presentation Night address.

Marion Wilkinson, Ashleigh Cull, Megan Waddy, Kylie Barnes and Angelica Giovinazzo participated in the 2002 Warmun Immersion Experience.

Prémontré House Captain Craig Wieman accepts the Champion House award from Deputy Principal, Mr Robert Henderson.

SNCIN Snapshot 2002

HOUSE COORDINATORS:

• KILNACROTT: Mr Don Parnell

• MAGDEBURG: Ms Maria Leone

• PRÉMONTRÉ: Mr Simon Harvey, Mrs Bridget Kavanagh-Murphy (Acting Term 3)

• TONGERLO: Ms Megan Wride, Ms Jen Jansen (Acting, Term 3)

• XANTEN: Mrs Tricia Van Nus, Mr Chris Brehaut (Acting Term 4)

ST NORBERT COLLEGE MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD: Fr Peter Joseph, Br Patrick Doolan, Mr Peter Hayes, Ms Jenneth Stibi, Mr Michael Papali, Mr Peter Correia, Mr Des Dwyer and Mr Chris Webster

PARENTS & FRIENDS’ ASSOCIATION: Mr Graham Whiteside (President), Mrs Coral Dyson, Mr Keith George, Mr Des Bowers, Mrs Jan Sheridan, Mr Ian White, Mr Phil Mountford and fellow committee members who:

• Donated $1000 to the Warmun immersion experience

• Held a fundraising night at Hoyt’s Carousel in September

• Supported the College open day with a display and the provision of afternoon tea

ENROLMENT: 843 students

DUX: Lorissa Kelly

95 TER CLUB INDUCTEES: Lorissa Kelly, Victor Prichodko and Raj Bhautoo

Deputy Premier Mr Eric Ripper visited the college in 2002.

2002 College Dux and SRC President, Lorissa Kelly. Daniella Scricca and Carly Nelligan stay dry at the athletics carnival.

SNCIN Snapshot 2002

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL: Lorissa Kelly (President), who, with fellow councillors:

• Attend a working camp at Eagle’s Nest Gidgegannup in February

• Organise and sell showbags on St Norbert Day

• Provide tour guides at the College’s open day and twilight tours

• Participate in organising a range of social activities such as the lower school socials, river cruises and the Year 11/12 ball

• Organise and conduct Sweet Week and Friendship day

• Organise casual dress days, raising over $1000 for East Timor, as well as making donations to the Warmun immersion experience and Lifelink

• Launch the SRC website and create an SRC motto: “Voice of the Students”

• Commission the creation of welcome signs for the five Houses

HOUSE CAPTAINS:

• KILNACROTT: Clint Francis, Helen Singer, Mathew Whyte, Carina Wong

• MAGDEBURG: Lee Cherry, Joshua Grant, Adam Palermo and Teresa Taglioretti

• PRÉMONTRÉ: Eric Breadon, Pamela Madden, Zosia Michalowski and Craig Wieman

• TONGERLO: Peter Curulli, Courtney Isard, Jonathon Leotta and Jeni O’Grady

• XANTEN: Adrian Arumugam, Alana Duroiselle, Amanda Ross and David Yoon

WINNERS OF SPORTS CARNIVALS:

• SWIMMING: Magdeburg

• ATHLETICS: Prémontré

CHAMPION HOUSE: Prémontré

Carina Wong, An Phan and Zoie Vo on the Year 11 and 12 river cruise.

In the July school holidays Year 12 history students participated in an excursion to Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney.

Robert Henderson and Bronson Gherardi gave solid performances in the staff production of Cinderella.

2002 Norbertus

There were three issues of Norbertus in 2002.

In May Principal Peter Hayes unveiled a new College project which would see five students and two staff spend a week of service in the Warmun Aboriginal Community. ServiceLearning Coordinator Mr Phil Morellini and teacher Ms Grazia Redolatti, along with students Kylie Barnes, Marion Wilkinson, Megan Waddy, Angelica Giovinazzo and Ashleigh Cull were to be the first participants in what was to become known as the “Warmun Experience”.

St Norbert College students Lorissa Kelly, Scott Sheridan, Erin Atkins and Steven Graham did the College proud when they addressed the City of Canning ANZAC Day commemorations and earned widespread praise from Deputy Premier Eric Ripper, RSL officials and veterans, including one Vietnam War veteran who was reduced to tears during their speeches. Head Boy Clint Francis and Head Girl Aimee Tolomei were also present to lay a wreath in honour of Australia’s armed forces personnel.

Continuing the service theme, this issue also contained a story of former student Daniel Ihms who served in East Timor with the Australian Army. Coincidentally he bumped into another St Norbert’s student, Michelle Ward, who was also on deployment in East Timor.

In late 2001, staff member Ms Lynn Moxham accompanied students Carina Wong, Craig English and Wendy Sham on a Japanese exchange trip to Immaculate Heart College in Kagoshima and other Japanese destinations including Tokyo. The trip was very successful and gave the participants many opportunities to participate in a wealth of Japanese cultural and social experiences, as well as a great opportunity to improve their Japanese speaking and listening skills.

The College’s Talented and Gifted Program continued to expand with 15 Year 8 students invited to join other program participants in Years 9 and 10. In the first term Year 8s were designing and implementing learning centres, the Year 9s were preparing a presentation for the International Children’s AWESOME Festival and the Year 10s were tackling a variety of projects.

Each year a large contingent of former St Norbert College alumni with a strong SNESA connection and their families keep the Norbertine spirit of community alive when they converge on the Catholic Youth Club in Busselton. Led by Mark George, the names include Volaric, Bottechia, Marshall, Jannisen, Devitt, Bormolini, Redwood and March, and the gathering featured in this issue of Norbertus .

Erin Atkins, Steven Graham, Clint Francis, Lorissa Kelly, Aimee Tolomei and Scott Sheridan were outstanding ambassadors for the College on ANZAC Day.

Keeping the peace in East Timor: alumni David Ihms and Michelle Ward.

2002 Principal Mr Peter Hayes. Japanese touring party.

Staff movements were also covered, including the departure of Mr Paul Van Vliet (to start a carpentry business), Mr John Bird (Principal at St Joseph’s College in Northam) and Mr Chris Reimers (Head of Society and Environment at Mater Fei College), and the arrival of Mr Shaun Kenny (Deputy Principal, Learning), Ms Colleen Ranger (Director of Learning Technology) and teachers Ms Jill O’Leary and Ms Tatia Sly.

In August Mr Hayes wrote about his experiences meeting parents and students after a successful Open Day in June when 235 visitors were welcomed to the College. Also featuring on the front page of the magazine was a report on the successful “Warmun Immersion” experienced by five students and two staff members who learned a lot about Aboriginal culture and carried out volunteer work as part of their commitment to the College’s ServiceLearning program. Year 11 student Ashleigh Cull had this to say: “It was an exhilarating experience that I enjoyed immensely and would recommend to anyone.”

Year 12 student Cindy Trewarn was fortunate to be experiencing life in Costa Rica as an exchange student and it a letter to the College she described her experiences living with a family of “Ticos” (Costa Rica citizens). Life there is very family-oriented and she was spending plenty of time with her family and “cousins, uncles and aunts”. Fluent in Spanish, Cindy was playing soccer for her school and this was all the more fun due to the excitement the World Cup was bringing to soccer-mad Costa Rica.

Year 12 students were given the opportunity to listen to a speech by the Archbishop of Perth, the Most Reverend Barry Hickey, in the Xanten Centre where he spoke on themes such as service and peace, vocations, freedom and World Youth Day. He also answered students’ questions and gave them a personal copy of a booklet containing excerpts from speeches written by Pope John Paul II.

The St Norbert College Choir, which regularly performs at the Community Mass, St Norbert Day, Year 12 Graduation Mass and College assemblies recorded their rendition of “How Great Thou Art” under the guidance of Choir Director Katina Fairbairn and guitar tutor Pat Reale. The track was included on a CD produced by Alan Archer and released world-wide to raise funds for mental illness charities.

Some former students shared their experiences since leaving St Norbert College. Luke Pollaart – or Walatha Dhurkkay, his Indigenous name –(Class of 1998) talked about his job managing a supermarket in remote north-east Arnhem Land, but more about immersing himself in the local Indigenous culture, including being adopted by a family and speaking the local language. The antics he described in the article would put Crocodile Mick Dundee in the shade!

Anthony Bianchini (Class of 1980) visited the College in May and described how a working holiday in

1970s alumni gather in Busselton for their annual catch-up. Mr Shaun Kenny joined the St Norbert’s staff from Chisholm Catholic College.

Kylie Barnes meets some primary school students at Warmun.

Archbishop Hickey with Aimee Tolomei, Clint Francis and Lorissa Kelly.

Europe saw him marry a German girl and settle near Cologne, have two sons and carve out an impressive banking career.

Fran Hughes (nee Massang, Class of 1987) and her husband recently returned to Perth with their two daughters after living in Queensland for ten years. Fran was running a financial planning business and credited being part of the SRC at St Norbert College with giving her leadership and speaking skills which have helped her business, and she also paid tribute to her husband who had servered with the SAS Regiment in Somalia and East Timor.

In September Principal Peter Hayes’ used a quote by Pope John Paull II stating the important role youth would play in shaping humanity’s history and linked that notion to the crucial role teachers have in the lives of young people, as evidenced in comments made to him by a former St Norbert’s student he had recently shown around the College.

Also on the front page was a story about the College joining CathEdNet which links all Catholic schools and institutions online, and other improvements to the College IT network and website.

In September the Barking Gecko Theatre Company visited the College to perform “The Buzz”, which spelled out the dangers of inexperienced drivers taking risks after gaining their licences in an interesting and – at times – confronting manner.

St Norbert College had a large complement of performers in the annual Catholic Performing Arts Festival in August, who put on 40 performances and attracted eight honourable mentions from the judges, with Johnathon Leotta being awarded the Vera Chidlow Scholarship for an outstanding performance on the piano.

Stories about College alumni appeared in this issue, including a report from Ms Carrol Abel (Class of 1989 and current Acting Head of Learning –Religious Education) about her life in the recently created nation of East Timor where she was teaching English for one year. Carrol described her experience as “challenging, valuable and rewarding”.

Professional dancer Adam Pudney (Class of 1987) dropped in to the College for a visit and discussed his career to date which included stints with the Australian Ballet Company, the London City Ballet, London’s Sadlers Wells Theatre, the Royal and English National Opera and the English National Ballet. Adam had also recently worked with Stanley Kubrick on the movie “Eyes Wide Shut” and was in Australia as part of Kylie Minogue’s “Fever” world tour.

Thomas Walenzyk (Class of 1994) wrote to Norbertus from his home in Germany where he was working as a chemical engineer while completing his PhD and enjoying all the benefits that European culture could offer.

Johnathon Leotta’s musical talents were recognised at the Catholic Performing Arts Festival held in August, 2002.

Professional

The St Norbert College website in 2002.

Students meet the cast members of The Barking Gekko Theatre who performed “The Buzz”.

dancer Adam Pudney (Class of 1987) dropped into the College and is pictured with Melissa Miller, Principal Mr Peter Hayes and Courtney Isard.

CLASS OF

2002 Reunion

The Camfield, November 5, 2022

Greg Salvia and Soraya Jukes are married with two children.

Tristan O’Brien and Craig Rawlings.

Craig Wieman and Glenn Ryan.

NORBERTUS

Soraya Jukes and Courtney Salmon (nee Isard). Ashley Bonini, Anthony Lo Presti and Craig Rawlings. Chris Frawley and Rachel Rawlings.

Brenton Scott and Tristan O’Brien. Soraya Jukes, Caroline Seth, Ashley Bonini and Carina Wong.

STUDENTS FROM

2002

Twenty Years Ago in 2002 …

Tristan O’Brien

Craig Rawlings Glenn Ryan Greg Salvia Carina Wong Ashley Bonini

Chris Frawley

Craig Wieman Caroline Seth Anthony Lo Presti Soraya Jukes Courtney Salmon (nee Isard)

Brenton Scott

STUDENTS FROM

2002

LORISSA KELLY

Cynically Optimistic

Lorissa Kelly was an outstanding student at St Norbert College, receiving the 2002 Dux Award and leaving her mark on the College in a variety of ways, including being President of the 2002 Student Representative Council. A member of Miss Tania Tatum’s Prémontré Homeroom class, Lorissa has gone on to establish an outstanding executive career incorporating the government, education and corporate sectors. Norbertus was grateful she made time in her busy schedule recently to answer Five Questions in Five Minutes …

What are some of your happy recollections from your time at St Norbert College, and in five words or fewer, how would you sum up your experience there?

History, economics and English literature classes – I loved them! Leading my orienteering team confidently into the bush on camp, and having to be rescued six hours later, totally lost and shivering, in the dark. And, the Year 12 history trip to Canberra –my first taste of freedom! And falling in love with Old Parliament House. I know, nerd alert. The words I would choose would be happiness, community, learning, and friendship.

Any favourite subject or teacher spring to mind, and if so, why?

History with Frank Mulligan. History because learning about why things are as they are in the world was exhilarating for me and history taught me to think critically about issues and information, and started my journey as an optimistic cynic!

Frank because he brought colour and life to history class, with a healthy dose of wry humour, which I found very funny and entertaining. He’s the best. He also tolerated my love of Natasha Stott Despoja at the time, and again, encouraged my critical thinking about politics. Frank also organised the Year 12 history trip to Canberra, which was my first time on a plane, and set off a life-long interest in current affairs and politics.

Your career at present?

Executive at DevelopmentWA, the State Government’s land development agency. I started this role at the beginning of 2022 and lead the Strategy, Corporate Affairs, Business Development and Acquisitions teams.

Your personal life at present?

I am married with two children, a 5-year-old and a 3-year-old and have been living in Kensington for the last 12 years.

Your hobbies, interests, travel?

I have been fortunate to do a lot of travel, through both work and pleasure. I lived in Canada for six months while I was studying, and have travelled extensively throughout Asia, Europe and North America. I absolutely love getting out and seeing the world, and look forward to taking it up again when the kids are a bit older. There are not enough hours in the day at the moment, but when I get some downtime, I love to read political autobiographies, history books and great journalism from around the world.

NORBERTUS

Lorissa Kelly is an executive at DevelopmentWA.

Receiving the 2002 Dux Award from Mrs Margo McLennan at Presentation Night.

Lorissa Kelly pictured in the 2002 Koinonia.

STUDENTS FROM

2002

NICOLE HEELEY

Joy and Nostalgia

Nicole Heeley (Class of 2002) was a member of Mr Simon Harvey’s Prémontré Homeroom, and has fond memories of her time at St Norbert College, especially her music classes where she loved playing the guitar and jamming with friends. “Our music teacher Mr Mondia was very knowledgeable but knew how to make work fun,” Nicole said. A phlebotomist with Pathwest and living in Byford, Nicole has a busy life with her partner Paul and their three children Chace (9), Aubree (7) and Beau (10 months), but still manages to keep in touch with Carrie Fischer (nee Pereira), Jenn Johnson (nee Tufilli) and Lee Cherry. “I loved high school. Mostly, my happy memories are of the social aspect. We were all good friends and I look back at that time in my life with so much joy and nostalgia. I really hope everyone is happy and doing well.”

A nice sentiment, Nicole, and Norbertus wishes you and your family nothing but the best, too.

Helping out with the Norbert’s Gnomes program in 2002.

Ms Nicole Heeley enjoyed her time at school and is quite possibly St Norbert’s first ever qualified phlebotomist!

STUDENTS FROM

2002

MARIE MURPHY

The Pilgrimage of Life

Norbertus was very pleased to hear from Marie Murphy recently, congratulates her and her husband Ivan on the arrival of baby Nora and wishes the family well as they continue to lead such an interesting and varied life, including plenty of travel and time together …

culture are amazing – and we feel that one day we will return to live there, maybe in retirement!

Marie, pictured here in 2002, says her participation in the 2001 pilgrimage to Europe encouraged her to explore the world more.

After returning from the 2001 St Norbert College Pilgrimage to Europe, I came back to Australia with the “travel bug” and knew that when I was old enough to travel on my own, I really wanted to go back to Europe and travel and visit historic places. When I was 20, I left Perth and travelled Europe with Jessica Francis (also a member of the Class of 2002). We had a wonderful time and once our three-month trip had ended, I went to Edinburgh, Scotland and found work at The Fringe Festival Box Office. The Edinburgh Fringe festival is the largest art and cultural festival in the world and it was a privilege to work right in the heart of the festival. I got to see many shows and performances and as a bonus I got to listen to buskers playing the bagpipes on the way to and from work each day. I stayed in Edinburgh for about a year before meeting my now husband, Ivan and moving to Spain.

Ivan is from a town in the north of Spain, however we moved to Madrid for study and work and lived there for the next nine years. When I first went to Spain, I couldn’t speak any Spanish so I worked as a nanny and then later as an English language assistant in a primary school. I immersed myself with everything Spanish. I took Spanish language and cooking classes and learnt Spanish quickly. Madrid is such a wonderful city that has beautiful historical buildings and plazas yet has such a modern lively vibe with a huge art and cultural influence. We loved living in Madrid – the food, wine and

While in Spain I got right into hiking and did several pilgrimage walks – most famous El Camino de Santiago – a 1000km walk across the northern part of Spain. It was a truly beautiful and spiritual walk which took approximately one month and I believe the roots of this trip stem from the 2001 pilgrimage.

In 2015 we got married in Spain and later that year migrated to Perth where we currently live. Earlier this year we welcomed a daughter to our family – Nora; she’s such a delight and we couldn’t imagine life without her. My husband works at Perth Airport as an aircraft engineer and I work at South Metropolitan TAFE as the business revenue coordinator. I manage a small team of four staff and oversea accounts receivable Invoicing for the 13 campuses. At school, my favourite subject was maths so I really love my job as I work with numbers all day!

In our free time we love going four-wheel driving and on longer remote trips. We are heavily involved with a 4x4 club which promotes safe and sensible four-wheel driving and the enjoyment of our natural environment. We actively participate and organise environmental days and track clean-ups, as well as volunteering our time to various vegetation restoration projects.

Twenty years on, I have only stayed in regular contact with a small circle of St Norbert’s friends: Jessica Francis, Brenda Schiavoni and Miriam Mondaca. A huge thank you to all at St Norbert College who made it a memorable experience.

Marie, husband Ivan and baby Nora all share the “travel bug” and are pictured here on a recent trip to Spain.

STUDENTS FROM

2002

MR JONATHON GIMONDO

Memorable Times at St Norbert College

How did you enjoy your time at St Norbert College?

My time at SNC was memorable and personally 2001 was the highlight by far as I attended the pilgrimage and was awarded the Year 11 Senior Science Award.

Do you still keep in touch with any of your friends from school?

What study and career paths have you gone down since leaving school nearly 20 years ago?

Upon graduating from St Norbert’s, I chose the career of an occupational health and safety professional, which has given me the opportunity to work for the Burswood Entertainment Complex now known as Crown Perth, Boral and Integrated – all in a safety capacity role.

Jonathon pictured in the 2002 Koinonia.

Social media these days such as Facebook and Instagram give you that quick snapshot of that friend or student you went to school with and you don’t even have to call or catch up with them, I don’t particularly like that and I know I need to make more of an effort to reach out rather than relying on social media. But with everyone having such busy lives, it can be difficult.

Any favourite subjects or teachers?

I was part of the INSTEP program in Year 11 and 12 and one day a week I would gain work experience in a role in a particular industry. The INSTEP program gave me the opportunity to undertake work experience at the Town of Victoria Park as an environmental health officer, the Water Corporation as an occupational safety and health officer, and Nicholson’s Bar and Grill as a chef.

My favourite teacher was my Homeroom teacher, Mr Bronson Gherardi. I once had the opportunity to participate in a detention for showing up late to Mr Mulligan’s social studies class with a couple of other students and he decided to give us some words of wisdom and guidance for our future endeavours. He said something to the effect of: “You are better off to be half an hour early than a minute late.” Still to this day – 20 years on – I make sure when I have appointments, I try to be half an hour early as opposed to a minute late!

What does your current position entail?

For the past 14 years, I have held the position of WorkSafe inspector and this role can be challenging at times but very rewarding as well. I have had the privilege of travelling throughout the state of WA and Christmas and Cocos Islands in a regulatory role. My role as an inspector has exposed me to a variety of industries including transport, marine, hospitality, retail, industrial, education, health, construction, and local and state governments.

Any personal details you would like to share?

I am married and have one daughter who is in Year 8 at high school this year.

Prior to COVID-19, the family and I have been travelling most years including a visit to USA with a fellow St Norbert’s student Shannon Davis and his family, Europe on two separate occasions, cruises on the Princess Cruise liners from Perth to Singapore and Perth to Brisbane and of course a few trips to Bali and Singapore. In 2020 I took three-months’ long service leave and the family and I went to London, arriving back into Perth just as the borders were being closed due to COVID. Since then – like a lot of other family and friends – we have fallen into the trap of renovating our house and we have purchased a family dog!

Mr Jonathon Gimondo (Class of 2002) catches up with Principal Simon Harvey during a recent visit to the College.

Jonathon (left) with some fellow Prémontré House graduates in 2002.

This year Miss Kerri Hilton completes her 37th year of teaching at St Norbert College, equalling the record held by Mr John Hulshoff.

MISS KERRI HILTON DELIVERS A Treasure Trove OF MEMORIES!

As a result of a wonderful idea conceived by long-serving St Norbert College staff member Miss Kerri Hilton, and Principal Mr Simon Harvey, the College community has a new way to discover treasures from past decades.

Following the success of St Norbert College Radio Plays and Podcasts (an initiative she developed and produced during the COVID pandemic), Miss Hilton has now turned her talents to another audio project – tracking down and interviewing former students from the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s for a series entitled The Treasure Trove – St Norbert College Ex-Students’ Stories.

By contacting, interviewing and capturing the stories of alumni on audio, members of the College community can now access the stories, memories and St Norbert College experiences of a range of ex-students, including Dr Alec O’Connell, Headmaster at Scotch College; Gabriella Rossitto, Channel Nine’s health reporter; Pete Curulli, a radio broadcaster on Perth’s 94.5 Pete, Matt and Kymba show, and educators in Catholic Education including current St Norbert’s teachers Aaron McGoorty and Kelsey Zampino – with more to follow.

“The common theme that has shone through the interviews is the feeling of community that all of these students experienced during their time at the College and after graduating,’’ Miss Hilton said.

“So many of the students still have close friendships with their school friends. Their career paths have been very varied and it is so lovely to see so many people from the College making such valuable contributions to society. It definitely shows how a St Norbert’s education has shaped and moulded these students to be people who have a firm belief in community and in themselves, and in the value of helping others.’’

So far, Miss Hilton has completed more than 20 interviews and is keen to gather more participants and their stories. If you, or a former student you know would like to be interviewed for The Treasure Trove, please email Miss Kerri Hilton at khilton@norbert.wa.edu.au.

Norbertus congratulates and commends Miss Hilton on her wonderful contribution to St Norbert College and its alumni during the past 37 years and looks forward to more exciting and entertaining developments in future.

To listen to The Treasure Trove – St Norbert College Ex-Students’ Stories , use this link: https://www.norbert.wa.edu.au/the-treasure-trove-ex-students-stories/

Kerri, pictured with members of the Class of 2006 in the Xanten Theatre. Paul Booth (third from left, middle row) now works for the Commonwealth Bank and is a contributor to the Treasure Trove series.

Treasure Trove GEMS

I have nothing but fond memories of high school – especially the social aspect. We developed good relationships with teachers.

David Martin (Class of 1988)

Our school trip to an Aboriginal mission was a turning point for me and helped me be a better Australian. I remember exceptional teachers and made my best friends who I see every week.

Paul Booth (Class of 2006)

Amazingly St Norbert College helped me realise there was a career out there for me in an area I was passionate about.

Brad Habib (Class of 1995)

I remember lots of laughs, lots of fun, great friends and a diverse range of excellent teachers. I learnt the value of hard work.

Jacki Tucker (nee Burke, Class of 1989)

The Norbertines have created a beautiful atmosphere of community and the school caters for every student. It’s wonderful to be back.

Michelle Lucas (nee Devereux, Class of 1988)

St Norbert College prepared me for life after high school, although I didn’t know they were doing it at the time. It was a huge hand in preparing me to be a father, businessman and broadcaster. I felt welcomed, supported and loved.

Pete Curulli (Class of 2002)

The camaraderie and diversity made school richer and we all got along. In one word, it’s community.

Gabriella Rogers (nee Rossitto, Class of 1989)

We all came from good families and didn’t have a lot, so there was a closeness. I still keep in touch with my friends.

Alec O’Connell (Class of 1978)

For me it has been more than a school. My whole family has a close connection to St Norbert College and the Norbertines –it’s even how I met my wife.

Aaron McGoorty

(Class of 2001)

2021

Award Winners Recognised

It took a while to orchestrate – due to Covid and new university commitments – but St Norbert College’s three top-performing students of 2021 returned to Treasure Road in September this year to receive multiple awards.

Class of 2021 Dux Matilda Seroney, Proxime Accessit Anushka Kotian and Student Ministry Award winner Ali Tkacz had been unable to attend the already postponed Year 2021 presentations at Xanten Theatre in August, because Ali and Matilda had COVID and Anushka had a commitment at Curtin University, where she is studying psychology and marketing.

The three close friends, who still catch up regularly, enjoyed a visit to the College boardroom where they were presented with subject Awards, Certificates of Excellence, a Principal’s Award and top Honours as well as a photograph of each of them as Captains which formerly adorned the walls of the College administration building.

While Anushka and Matilda – who is studying physiotherapy – are at Curtin University, Ali is at Murdoch University studying bio-medicine.

2021 Dux Matilda Seroney, who is studying physiotherapy at Curtin University, is presented with her Awards by Mr Rod Dowling, Deputy Principal (Years 7,10).

2021 Proxime Accessit Anushka Kotian, Dux Matilda Seroney and Student Ministry Award winner Ali Tkacz paid a visit to St Norbert College in September to receive some awards.

Ali Tkacz, who is studying bio-medicine at Murdoch University, receives the 2021 Student Ministry Award from Student Ministry Coordinator, Ms Margaret Kyd.

Deputy Principal Mr Peter Hawke (Years 8,12) gives 2021 Proxime Accessit Anushka Kotian her awards. Anushka is studying psychology and marketing at Curtin University. Matilda, Anushka and Ali pictured in the 2021 Koinonia.

Mrs Lisa Quartermain, Community Relations and Marketing

ARCHIVES FROM THE

The P&F, Fundraising and the College Fair

From the mid-1970s St Norbert College has been generously served by a Parents and Friends’ Association or Committee, and fundraising has always been one of its major functions, looking to make the students’ lives more comfortable and enjoyable during their time at school.

In the early years of the College, fundraising went towards fairly basic requirements such as painting, new doors, bench seating and brick paving, but as the College grew, the P&F branched out into other areas such as the provision of audio-visual equipment, water coolers, large shade umbrellas, computers and sponsorship of various student endeavours such as State sports team representation and sponsoring revision courses in preparation for Year 12 exams.

In 1975 the President of the Parents and Friends’ Association, Mr John McQuillan, wrote in Koinonia that the College was very well-served “by the loyal support of the parents and the untiring endeavours and the women and men who actively participate in successful events such as raffles, quiz nights and the annual fair.”

The College fair was initially held annually and then it became a biannual event to allow St Joseph’s School to organise their own fair. The last St Norbert College fair was held in 2004.

Norbertus acknowledges and congratulates the hundreds of volunteers who have contributed to the College over the years.

1975 St Norbert College Parents and Friends’ Association. President, Mr John McQuillan, is seated in the centre.

A flyer for the 1977 fair.

ARCHIVES FROM THE

The P&F, Fundraising and the College Fair

Former P&F President Mr Jeff Tillemans report about the 1976 College fair. In it, Mr Tillemans suggests some reasons for the lower than usual attendance numbers, reviews the success rate of some stalls, and “regretfully” feels obliged to record some complaints about some outside stallholders such as St Joachim’s and a Maddington organisation who deviated from the terms of their contracts which allowed them to participate in the fair.

Mr Brian Devine digs a hole for a sign to promote the fair, sometime in the 1970s.

Some of the attractions on offer at the College fair held in 2000.

ST NORBERT COLLEGE BUILDINGS: MCMULLEN CENTRE

In May, 1977 the McMullen Centre (now also known as the Freden Centre) was blessed and opened in front of a large group of dignitaries and members of the College community and it provided St Norbert College students the opportunity to pursue their interests in a variety of non-core subject fields. The realisation of this facility meant that the College was able to offer a greater range of subject choices than most other secondary schools in Western Australia at the time. Some details about the building and its facilities at the time included:

• The centre is named after Mr and Mrs Vincent McMullen whose financial support of the College during the previous decade was crucial to its survival and success

• The building is 600m² and comprises four main areas devoted to woodwork, metalwork, cooking and general home economics

• The centre caters for 300 students from year 8 to Year 11 and offers vocational and technical training in subjects including woodwork, metalwork, hot metals, welding, plastics, automotive engineering, cooking, food and nutrition, sewing, home-management and laundry

• Workshops and classrooms are furnished with up-to-date equipment including six arc welders and oxy-acetylene apparatus in the welding room, ripping and planing machinery in the woodwork room, electric and gas stoves in the kitchen and electric sewing machines and washing machines in the laundry

The Freden Centre/VS & C McMullen building today.

The foundation plaque located over the entrance to the building.

ST NORBERT COLLEGE BUILDINGS: MCMULLEN CENTRE

• The contract price for the centre was $215,219, with another $40,000 allocated for equipment

• The building works were completed slightly under budget in four months by M. Bianchini and Sons

• Under the leadership of Mr Alec Connell and Mr Tom Cavanagh, a building fund with a target of $150,000 was established a year earlier and it eventually raised $167,000 in pledges to be realised over the next three years

• In his speech at the opening of the centre, Principal Mr Des O’Sullivan thanked the State ($100,000 in 1977) and Commonwealth governments ($150,000) for their ongoing financial support of the College

St Norbert College Principal, Mr Des O’Sullivan, included the following comments about the centre in his 1977 Presentation

Night address:

In May the McMullen Centre was blessed by Archbishop L. J.

Goody and officially opened by Senator P. D. Durack. Our need for more classrooms to cater for our increased enrolment was channelled into providing a curriculum expansion. Our boys and girls have produced tables, tool boxes, trowels, dust pans, candlesticks, pepper pots, interesting menus, aprons, pillowslips and dresses. With these practical things have come developing skills, and the ability to plan, to co-ordinate and to take pride in personal achievement.

The unpretentious entrance in 1977. Clothing and fabrics.

Mr Brian Rogan in the state-of-the-art kitchen in 1977. Woodwork.

Metalwork. The all-important taste test.

Principal Mr Des O’Sullivan looks on as Senator Peter Durack unveils the V. McMullen Centre plaque.

“New horizons, new endeavours, a search in faith”: lofty ideals for the new VS & C McMullen multi-purpose block.

The opening of the McMullen Centre was covered extensively in The Record.

ARCHIVES FROM THE

Sports War Cries and Songs

Dr

LEFT:

Around the turn of the century St Norbert College had a dedicated cheer squad led by Nicole Lamb (nee Iovine, Class of 2001, third from right, front).

To the tune of “Moscow” Norbert’s! Norbert’s! We will run and you will see We will gain a victory! Ha, ha, ha, ha, hey! (Repeat)

To the tune of “Greased Lightning”

Go St Norbert’s You’re better than all the rest Go Norbert’s Go St Norbert’s Go St Norbert’s You’re better than all the rest Go Norbert’s, go St Norbert’s Swimming/athletics team They are supreme St Norbert’s, Norbert’s, NNNNNNN

To the tune of “Do Wah Diddy Diddy” There we are Just-a-swimming down the pool Saying we’re St Norbert’s And we’re looking really cool Swims good - swims good! Swims fine - swims fine! And we’re winning all the time!

There we are Just-a-running down the track Saying we’re St Norbert’s And we’ll beat you there and back! Throws far – throws far! Jumps high – jumps high! Gonna really blow your mind!

Ken Spillman, the author of “The Right Spirit. A History of ACC Sport”, a story of the ACC in Western Australia, once summed up St Norbert College’s performance in interschool sport as “punching above its weight”, which is a great tribute to the students, coaches and volunteers who have given so much to enhance the achievements of the College in the sporting arena over the past five or six decades. St Norbert’s athletes and swimmers have always been well-supported by enthusiastic fellow students in the stands cheering them on with war cries and songs such as those printed here from the 1980s and 1990s, included in a publication entitled “Cheers for All Occasions”.

A 1990s handbook containing St Norbert College sports war cries and songs from the 1980s and 1990s.

ARCHIVES FROM THE

Sports War Cries and Songs

To the tune of “The Vegemite Song”

We’re happy little Norbert’s kids As fast as fast can be

We all enjoy taking home the shield of the ACC Our coaches say we’re swimming faster

Every single day

Because we love the winning beat

We all enjoy the winning beat We know we’ll get our victory!

To the tune of “Rock Around the Clock”

(To be sung during relays)

One, two, 3-o’clock, 4-o’clock swap

Five, six, 7-o’clock, 8-o’clock swap

Nine, ten, 11-o’clock, 12-o’clock swap

We’re gonna swap and swap until we stop When the gun goes off We’ll set the pace Boy oh boy, we’re gonna win this race

We’re gonna swap and swim until we stop We’re gonna swap and swim until we stop We’re gonna swim, swap, swim until we win this race

Swimming Song

The blue and yellow swimming team

It’s St Norbert’s and our dream

Now let’s get the rhythm of our hands (clap, clap)

Now let’s get the rhythm of our feet (stamp, stamp)

Now let’s get the rhythm of our feet (stamp, stamp)

Now we’ve got the rhythm of the pool

Yes, we’ve got the rhythm of the pool

Now let’s get the rhythm of the school – woo, woo!

Yes, we’ve got the rhythm of the school – woo, woo!

Now let’s get the rhythm of Norbert’s, N-O-R-B-E-R-T-S, yeah Norbert’s!

SNCIN Snapshot 1992

PRIOR: Very Rev. Tom McNulty O.Praem

PRINCIPAL: Mr Tom Corcoran

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL: Mrs Carole Hayes (Acting Principal Semester One), Miss Desirée Grzenda (Acting Deputy Principal Semester One)

ASSISTANT DEPUTY PRINCIPAL: Mr Christopher Houlihan

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL, MIDDLE SCHOOL: Mr Robert Henderson

HEADS of DEPARTMENTS:

• RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: Mrs Sheena Barber

• ENGLISH and LANGUAGES: Mr Christopher Kowald

• MATHEMATICS: Mrs Elizabeth Jepp

• SCIENCE: Mr Harry Muller

• SOCIAL STUDIES: Mr John Pollaers

• CREATIVE ARTS: Mr Brian Rogan

• PHYSICAL EDUCATION: Miss Lynn Moxham

ST NORBERT COLLEGE DEVELOPMENTS INNOVATIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS:

• Plans were put in place to offer four new subjects in 1993: applied art, Year 11 word processing, independent living and photography

• A College Mission Statement was drawn up to ensure the implementation of the College’s aims and objectives

PARENTS & FRIENDS ASSOCIATION: President Mr Richard Derham and fellow committee members:

• Contributed hours in the canteen, the College shop, various College boards, Year 8 reading program, supervising College exams, coaching sports teams, supervising at student socials and cooking at retreats

• Raised funds for student amenities through the College fete, raffles, quiz nights and lamington drives

Very Rev. Tom McNulty O. Praem, Prior. SNC Principal Tom Corcoran delivers his Presentation Night address.

Mr John Pollaers and the 1992 St Norbert College Student Council.

Erica Martin, Student Council President. 1992 era laptops.

•

SNCIN Snapshot 1992

HOUSE COORDINATORS:

• KILNACROTT: Mr Damien Flanagan

• MAGDEBURG: Mr John Hulshoff

• PRÉMONTRÉ: Ms Sharon Rainford

• TONGERLO: Mrs Kathy Jones

• XANTEN: Mrs Maureen Tavani

ENROLMENT: 749 students

DUX: Peter McNally

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL: Erica Martin (President), Kimberley Harris (Vice President), Darlene Le Guay (Secretary) and Brenda Hendriks (Treasurer) who, with fellow councillors:

• Founded a branch of Amesty International at the College

• Hosted a meeting of 10 schools at St Norbert College in August to discuss student representative bodies in Western Australia

• Help organise the Year 12 St Norbert College Ball at Government House with an “underwater theme”

HOUSE CAPTAINS:

• KILNACROTT: Tahi Andrews, Jemma Fittock, Yuri Maclou and Jenelle Thomas

• MAGDEBURG: Christopher Maher, Sharlene Segers, Michael Sleap and Josephine Reutens

• PRÉMONTRÉ: Harjit Dhillon, Tammy De Souza, Peter McNally and Tricia Payne

•

TONGERLO: Samantha Cutjar, Scott Donald, Clinton Wain and Megan Wheatley

XANTEN: Michael Barbaro, Ruth Deubert, Bradley Hunter and Leanne Planel

WINNERS OF SPORTS CARNIVALS:

• SWIMMING: Magdeburg

• ATHLETICS: Xanten

CHAMPION HOUSE: Xanten

Peter McNally, 1992 St Norbert College Dux. Deputy Principal Mrs Carole Hayes presents a Japanese exchange student with some mementos of her time at the College.

Br Patrick Doolan catching up with some students before school. A caricature of Mr John Pollaers, Head of Social Studies, 1992.

1992 Reunion CLASS OF

The Camfield, October 15, 2022

Jemma Fittock, Samantha Cutjar and Heather Tonkin (nee Mason).

The Class of 1992.

Fee Salmons (nee Speechley), Ron Sao and Christine Devereux. Julieanne Candeloro, Megan Tidy (nee Wheatley) and Jennie Dawson.

Tony Aoun and Jemma Fittock.

CLASS OF

1992 Reunion

NORBERTUS

Roseanne Pavy (nee Kelly), Simon Flay and Michelle Rhodes (nee Wancer).

Peter McNally and Samantha Cutjar.

Back in 1992, the last days of school.

Julieanne Candeloro and Jennie Dawson (nee Partridge).

Michelle Rhodes, Megan Tidy and Erica Martin.

STUDENTS FROM

1992

Thirty Years Ago in 1992 …

Heather Tonkin

Megan Tidy

Fee Salmons

Roseanne Pavy

Peter McNally

Samantha Cutjar

Jemma Fittock

Ron Sayo

Jennie Dawson

Simon Flay

Julieanne Candeloro

Christine Devereux

Michelle Rhodes

Tony Aoun

IN MEMORIAM:

Annette Fudge

One person missing at the Class of 1992 reunion was the much-loved Annette Fudge. Many people will have fond memories of Annette and her infectious laugh.

Upon graduation, Annette decided to pursue studying accounting at Murdoch University, after being the recipient of the Year 12 accounting award. Annette had a natural flair for the profession and used her knowledge to pursue her career by becoming a certified practising accountant (CPA).

Annette lived a full life, backpacking overseas to many places with friends. Annette returned to Western Australia and lived in Karratha for many years with her partner Justin Holt who taught at Karratha Senior High School. Annette and Justin eventually settled back in Perth, to raise Annette’s greatest loves, her three daughters Keilani (almost 18), Jorja (16) and Paige (11).

Annette died suddenly and unexpectedly at home on 30 October, 2016. She was much-loved by anyone who met her and left a big hole in many people’s hearts. Annette is the daughter of Alistair and Kate, and beloved sister of Robyn (Class of 1995) and Sarah.

Ms Christine Devereux

Annette Fudge, 24.09.75 – 30.10.16.

Annette with her daughters Keilani, Paige and Jorja, and partner Justin Holt.

STUDENT FROM 1992

MR PETER MCNALLY Golden Years

Mr Peter McNally (Class of 1992) was a member of Ms Sharon Rainford’s Prémontré Homeroom class. Chemistry with Miss Tania Tatum was his favourite subject and it was also one of several subject prizes he was awarded on his path to being awarded the St Norbert College Dux Award at the 1992 Presentation Night. In addition to chemistry, Peter topped the class in economics, physics and applicable mathematics, and also received the P&F Leadership Award, as well as the Clare Family Award for Excellence in Religious Education.

Apart from his outstanding academic career, Peter was also a Prémontré House Captain, a member of the Student Representative Council, played sports such as Gaelic football and represented the College in swimming.

Peter studied law and science at university and is now a director and managing counsel at Chevron Australia, which recently involved a threeyear stint working in China.

Married to Rachael with three children – Jessica, Matthew and Zachary – Peter lives in Scarborough and still keeps in touch with fellow 1992 alumni Daniel Taylor and Sam Barbaro.

Peter has fond memories of his time at Treasure Road and some of his happy memories revolve around swimming carnivals and debating, which Peter says stood him in good stead for his legal career. When asked to sum up his St Norbert College experience in a handful of words, Peter said they were “golden years” and basically prepared him for life.

Norbertus congratulates Peter on his wide range of achievements during his years at St Norbert’s and his outstanding corporate career, and thanks him for his continued support of the College over the years. This includes contributing to Miss Kerri Hilton’s successful Treasure Trove series, excerpts of which are published here.

Peter’s Year 12 photograph in the 1992 Koinonia.

Peter, right, with fellow 1992 Premontre House Captains Harjit Dillon, Tricia Payne and Tammy De Souza.

Swimming was one of Peter’s favourite pursuits at St Norbert College and he is pictured (centre) as part of the 1992 senior swimming team.

Mr Peter McNally at the Class of 1992 reunion in October this year. 1992 Dux, Peter McNally makes an address at Presentation Night.

STUDENT FROM 1992

PETER MCNALLY: TREASURE TROVE EXCERPTS

I arrived at St Norbert College as an impressionable Year 8 student and discovering the variety of things that were available to do, whether it was leadership opportunities through the SRC, a range of sports … I loved swimming and I remember the 25m pool at St Norbert College really well … through all the options, whether it was theatre arts, music, metalwork, woodwork, home economics and one thing that I enjoyed which is a really good skill for life was doing typing.

Another memory I have is doing debating competitions in the Xanten Centre, and subsequently I have gone on through life and arguing and persuading people has been a big part of my career. And I remember learning some of the foundations of how to craft a persuasive argument through the debating competitions. So, I think high school did provide me with a really good foundation for what I went on to do later in life …

I also think you should find some other things you don’t like because if you are going to grow you need to get out of your comfort zone and sometimes when you

get past the initial discomfort or the self-limiting believe that something is not going to really be for you, you will actually realise only once you have done that, how much benefit you are going to get out of it. So, if you think that public speaking is not for you then give it a try, if you think interschool sport is not for you, give it a try, because you’ll either win something or learn something along the way and both of those are valuable.

In hindsight I think my time at St Norbert College was very special and I probably didn’t realise that until 20 years later. These days my career has gone on, I have a senior management position and a lot of the things we talk about is about what is important about being a leader. Being able to harness the benefits of diversity and inclusion and build relationships are both really important. At school we had a good cross-section of people and we all got along well …

When I reflect on my time at St Norbert College I also remember the Aboriginal students from the

country. James from Broome was one of my best friends and I did learn a little bit about his background and culture while at school, and in hindsight, if I have a regret, it is that I didn’t ask more questions and learn more.

In my working life I have had the opportunity and privilege to work with Aboriginal people and do some native title negotiations. and I think it is incumbent on all Australians to learn more about Aboriginal people and culture and that is just another great opportunity I had at school.

The Treasure Trove is a series of short interviews featuring graduates’ fondest memories of their school days at Treasure Road, how St Norbert College prepared them for all good works and shaped who they are and what they are doing today. Based on interviews with drama teacher Miss Kerri Hilton, the three to five-minute accounts of life at St Norbert College are a must-hear for all former students – and prospective ones.

Alumni Scene AT THE CLASS OF 2022 GRADUATION

Caitlin Bransby (Class of 2020) works in the hospitality industry and is studying zoology and marine biology at the University of Western Australia. Caitlin is pictured with mathematics teacher May Dao.

Nischal Kiran (left) and Luke Marshall (right) with former Class of 2022 classmate Aki Nykanen.

Angel Geary with Daryl Momus (Class of 2019) who is studying sport and health education at the University of Notre Dame Australia.

Members of the Class of 2022 Abby Smith, Neve Adnams, Paige Hale and Harriet McCready.

Mater Dei Principal Annette Morey catches up with Fr Peter Joseph.

Brian and Bella Schofield with their children Brandon (Class of 2022) and Bianca (Class of 2019) who is studying psychology at the University of Western Australia.

Simran Shivnani and Yajnah Juggessur are both members of the Class of 2019 and are both students at the University of Western Australia. Simran is studying dentistry and Yajnah is studying law.

The Tilli family: Francesco (Class of 2021) works in hydrotesting, Giuseppe (Class of 1989) works in cabinetmaking and construction, Michael (Class of 2020) who is a heavy diesel fitter and Assunta.

Alumni Scene AT THE CLASS OF 2022 GRADUATION

Members of the Class of 2022 Ayden Ratnasekera, Adam Min, Mathieu Eustasie and Byron Tanner.

Ray Irvine (Class of 1992) and Deanne Forsyth with their daughter Jasmine.

Carrol Abel and Giuseppi Tilli (both Class of 1989).

Brothers Shaun and Jordan Rigden (Class of 2017). Jordan completes a degree in pharmacy this year.

Christopher Mangat (Class of 2013) runs his own digital marketing business and is also an occupational health and safety worker in the mining sector.

Mater Dei Principal Annette Morey catches up with Fr Peter Joseph.

Allie Curtis (Class of 2012), pictured with her mother Cheryl, works as a resources and logistics planner at Minprovise.

Tallulah (Class of 2019), Xander and Gigi (Class of 2021) Armenti. Tallulah is studying film at Curtin University and Gigi is also at Curtin University studying psychology.

Thomas Porter (Class of 2019) is studying accounting and finance at Curtin University, pictured with his siblings, Kathleen and Anthony.

Aldric Ratnasekera (Class of 2019) is studying medicine at the University of Western Australia, and is pictured with Tallulah Armenti.

Mr Ryan Buckland

DEALT A GOOD HAND

Mr Ryan Buckland from the Class of 2006 was in Prémontré House, where he had two Homeroom teachers, Mr Peter Chandler and Mrs Celeste Grosser.

Ryan enjoyed his time at St Norbert College and summed up his five-year experience as “fun, interesting and challenging but most of all formative and foundational.”

Current Principal Mr Simon Harvey was Head of Prémontré House from 2000 to 2007 and Ryan clearly remembers conversations with Simon and the guidance he provided, and rates him as a favourite teacher even though Simon reprimanded him and his good mate Tim Whitehouse on their very first day of school in 2002!

Ryan has kept in touch with a few members of his class, especially Tim, Toby Preston and Dean Clark, and sees Alex Hansen, Peter Quan, Cameron Lazic and Nathan Bianchini on occasion.

Ryan has happy memories of playing cards at school. “Card games with mates in Year 11 and 12 are something I remember fondly,” Ryan said. “A group of us still catch up, not as frequently as anyone would like I’m sure, and we still play the game of choice – with a name not fit for publication – from time to time.”

After leaving school, he initially enrolled in accounting and finance at Curtin University but realised that course was not a very good fit for him. “I reflected on my time in Mr Gherardi’s economics classes where his readings from the Book of Freakonomics were an inspiration, so I thought I would try that.”

Other teachers who Ryan says had a significant impact on him include Mrs Colleen Ranger in digital and interactive media and Mrs Lyndsey Cardenia in maths who have both been really important in what Ryan has achieved in his career. “And who could forget the passion and insights of Mr Parnell?” Ryan added.

Emilia and Annabelle.

Ryan’s Year 12 photograph in the 2006 Koinonia.

Ryan and his wife Amanda pictured with their daughters Rosie,

This year Amanda and Ryan welcomed a new addition to the family –baby Harvey, pictured here with his three excited sisters.

Mr Ryan Buckland (Class of 2006) is a partner and principal economist at ACIL Allen.

Ryan eventually graduated with honours and has since carved out a very successful career as an economist. After spending five years at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry where he became principal economist, Ryan spent 18 months at Deloitte Access Economics before joining ACIL Allen, a boutique advisory firm, where he is now a partner and principal economist. “My manager and mentor at CCI tapped me on the shoulder to join ACIL Allen and I’ve been here since,” Ryan said, adding that he hoped to stay there for a long time before possibly running a business or working in politics, but not as a politician. “The work I do at the moment is so varied and interesting as we get to work on some of the most challenging economics and public policy issues facing WA and Australia.”

Ryan is married with a young family and in addition to his busy career, he “dabbles” in sports journalism, writing football columns for The West Australian and contributing to other publications. “I married my high school sweetheart quite early in life and we’ve recently moved into our forever home with our four children, after welcoming a little boy in July.”

While Ryan feels he probably wasn’t aware of it at the time, upon reflection, high school is an important phase of life where the people you meet and the experiences you encounter help to shape your life, although many more opportunities will come. “Treat school with the significance it deserves, but also remember you’re 17 and you’ve got 70 years ahead of you,” he said.

Norbertus congratulates Ryan on his successful career, his busy family life and his insightful sports journalism and is pleased to announce that despite his hectic schedule, Ryan has been generous enough to find the time to answer some probing questions about AFL football in Australia today. Ryan truly is Prepared for all Good Works!

In addition to his professional career, Ryan is also a football columnist for The West Australian where he writes under the banner of “The Economist”. Nicolas Bedwell of Year 12 is pictured catching up on the football news in the College library.

Ryan and his fellow Year 12 Homeroom members Peter Quan, Taleen Kopti, Jordan Hart and Taryn Luttrell at the 2006 College ball.

Mr Ryan Buckland

ANSWERS NORBERTUS READERS’ FOOTY QUESTIONS

Who do you barrack for and how difficult is it to stay completely unbiased when writing a story?

I’ve been a West Coast fan since 1989, so I’ve been told. It’s easier than you might think, because every West Coast fan secretly hates the Eagles and prefers it when they stink. But more seriously, the way I write is to try and bring a data-based perspective on things, so you let the numbers do the talking.

Best player of all time?

I can answer the best player of my time, and that has to be Lance Franklin. To have built the career he has built in an era where everything is working against the key forward position is extraordinary.

Best player in Australia today?

Christian Petracca is my number one. The combination of power and poise. And I’m a sucker for players who can kick the ball long like he can.

Most promising rising star?

Future West Coast Eagles Luke Jackson.

Unluckiest payer?

This is a tough one. Missing out on a premiership due to injury has to be one of the most crushing feelings as a player. Nic Naitanui would be it for me. Andrew Gaff could play till he’s 40 so he’s still got time.

Best coach?

Justin Longmuir is a football savant. And he’s very in tune with analytics, which has to be a bit part of it.

Best supporters?

Fremantle, by far. There’s a genuine loyalty to a big chunk of that fan base.

Favourite footy memory?

I was fortunate enough to jag a couple of tickets to the Grand Final last year. Getting to watch that with my Dad wasn’t just a footy highlight, it was a life highlight.

Best ground in Australia?

It’s not the MCG. People I know who watch footy in Melbourne that have been to Optus Stadium reckon it’s just another level above. I haven’t been to other grounds in recent years, but Optus Stadium is pretty incredible.

Most memorable grand final? 2018, without question.

What is your pre-game approach?

I used to try to watch every game of a weekend. With the way life is now that’s not possible so I pick my spots. I like to break the ground up into three parts (defensive, attacking and midfield) and consider what teams might do and look to be able to stop the opponent from doing. That’s normally as good an indication into who’ll win as any.

How do you decide the angle you take in a story?

It’s often a bit about anticipating where the big story might be in the week, or where something could happen and trying to get ahead of it. Being strong in

Mr Ryan Buckland (Class of 2006) is an economist and football writer for The West Australian. Ryan generously agreed to answer some Norbertus readers’ football questions and pick his 2022 All-Australian team.

Fremantle supporters display “genuine loyalty”.

Lance Franklin: “an extraordinary career”. (Image courtesy of the Sydney Swans)

Christian Petracca, Ryan’s No1 player in Australia today: “a combination of power and poise”. (Image courtesy of Melbourne Football Club)

Justin Longmuir: “a football savant”. (Image courtesy of Fremantle Football Club)

Mr Ryan Buckland ANSWERS NORBERTUS READERS’ FOOTY QUESTIONS

what you’re saying is important as well – you can’t fake an opinion and write something compelling.

Do you ever get writer’s block? Do deadlines ever loom large?

I find I do my best work when I give myself a deadline. I set aside one night as my time to start and finish a column. It forces you to make choices, work out what you want to say and just say it. And I’ve also found acknowledging that you aren’t always going to write the perfect 1000 words helps.

Best part about being a footy writer?

It’s an excuse to watch a lot of football! More seriously, it’s a bit of a creative outlet. And a lot of clients read my column so it can help from that perspective as well.

Challenging aspects of being a footy writer?

Would you have commissioned GWS and the Gold Coast Suns?

I think the AFL did it for the right reasons, which were commercial first and foremost. When someone finally writes the tell-all book about the early years of the Suns I suspect we’ll learn that was a bit botched. And if I were a betting man I would predict the GWS Giants become the Canberra Giants in the long run.

Should Hobart and/or Darwin have been given a look-in first?

Tasmania should absolutely have a team, and to make things work you have to go to 18 teams (so move someone) or get to 20. My money would be on another team to get us to 20 and that team should be a third team in WA.

What would you do to improve the WAFL?

The quality and professionalism of the WAFL is right up there nowadays. I’d take a leaf out of minor league baseball in the US, make it a day out for families with a footy game that happens to be happening in the middle of the ground.

Optus Stadium: “another level above the MCG”. (Image courtesy of

Ryan has a feeling that the GWS Giants might one day become the Canberra Giants. (Image courtesy of GWS Giants)

The WAFL: “quality and professionalism”. (Image courtesy of the WAFL)

It can sometimes be a bit awkward squeezing it in around everything else in life. And for a while in the early days I probably let the “independence” thing go a bit too far and stopped being passionate about my team. But now I wear it a bit more on my sleeve in the column.

Why can the rugby states run a State of origin series when AFL states can’t?

Personally, I think it’s because of the outsize influence of one state in the history of the game, and that it’s not like rugby league which is genuinely a two-state sport. The Allies concept waters everything down. And then if you need four teams, it just wouldn’t have the same feel to it.

2022 SNESA Season in Review

MR RAFIC AOUN

Define success? The accomplishment of an aim or purpose. The aim of any sporting team is to win. The purpose of any sporting team is to work together. The aim of every club is to provide the tools and the facilities to help a team win. The purpose of every club is to provide a safe and enjoyable culture where the members can work together.

In 2022, SNESA Football Club won 37 times out of 58 games in all three grades. In 2022, over 130 players pulled on the blue and gold because they wanted to play with their mates, their brothers, their uncles, nephews or cousins. Or perhaps just wanted to play footy at a club they felt welcomed at.

In 2022, SNESA Football Club celebrated NAIDOC Round, Ladies Day, Family Day, Premiership Reunions, Mental Health Round, and Brother Pat Day.

In 2022, SNESA Football Club played in its sixth finals series in a row. These six finals series include seven preliminary finals and four grand finals. In the last six years, SNESA has celebrated more wins than losses.

Whilst a premiership continues to elude us, it would be poor for us to define our success by that one day in September. In fact, some of the AFL’s greats including Lockett, Ablett Snr, Harvey and Skilton never achieved September glory.

Players may feel crushed by the loss or feel that they have failed to accomplish their team’s aim for 2022. However, they should seek comfort in knowing that scenes of passionate young and old supporters, friends and family around them and a united front of Saints’ teammates are clear indicators that SNESA Football Club continues to accomplish its purpose. Therefore, we will continue to define and refine our success and not let success define us.

On behalf of all members and supporters, congratulations on an incredible 2022 campaign. On behalf of the SNESA Football Club, thank you to our members and supporters for another fantastic year.

Looking forward to seeing you in 2023!

SNESA’s League team faced-off against Brentwood-Booragoon in the September grand final but were beaten on the day.

Br Patrick Doolan Medal winners: Ben Williams (League), Eathan Strahan (Reserves) and Tom Zappelli (Thirds).

Caius Kelly played his 150th game this season.

League coach Mark Lupica and his assistant coach Anthony Lo Presti stood down at the end of the season after four years of dedicated service at the top level.

Dayne Whalan is chaired off the ground after his 150th game for SNESA.

Congratulations Ben Hall – 100 games.

SNESA Footy Action

Jayme Thompson Photography 0429500956

GRAND FINAL Footy Action

SUPPORTERS SCENE AT Claremont Oval

SUPPORTERS SCENE AT Claremont Oval

THAT One Famous Day IN SEPTEMBER, 1997

SNESA stalwart, former long-serving President, Life Member and premiership player John Wilson (Class of 1985) was one of 13 players from the victorious 1997 E Grade premiership team who attended a reunion to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their victory on August 8 this year at Parkland Mazda Oval, and here he shares his recollection of that famous day in September, 1997 …

The 1997 E Grade League premiership victory –apart from being SNESA’s last senior flag – was remarkable on a number of levels and has evolved over the last 25 years to achieve some level of mythical status around the Club.

In the season before, for example, the team only recorded one win, in the final round of the season, and some saw this as an omen of possibly a more successful journey 1997. So, under the guidance of the late Jack McGillivray, a very talented and youthful SNESA team set out with a certain degree of optimism for an improved season, particularly with some blossoming former Colts players such as Harjit Dhillon, Brad Richards-Scully, Che Heeley, Adam Jongling, Steve Bonetti and Mark Versaico who were starting to hit their straps and gel together nicely.

Once obstacle, however which loomed large in unsettling this dream of greater SNESA success, was a powerful Innaloo side that had not lost a single game in two years.

True to form, Innaloo continued their unbeaten form in 1997 and won the minor premiership with SNESA finishing second – still in the hunt with nothing to lose in the finals.

That hope suffered a major set-back in the first semi-final when Innaloo demolished SNESA by over 100 points on SNESA’s home ground!

While Innaloo’s clear dominance was on display, their success was to become their undoing. As the finals were played as a top five, as they progressed through the finals Innaloo only had to play two games in the preceding five weeks leading up to the grand final, which was played at South Fremantle Oval on September 13, 1997.

In what has become a game of genuine folklore, SNESA was going up against a team with runs on the board and an incredible unbeaten track record just one game short of three entire seasons.

The game itself was competitive early on but Innaloo held a comfortable lead at half-time and seemed to be holding sway comfortably during the start of the third quarter. Then, midway through that quarter, there was a sense that a change was starting to occur, and SNESA progressively began to narrow the gap. Then a horrific incident occurred when Brad Richards-Scully was felled by a full-blown elbow to the face that fractured his jaw in two places and saw him hunched on the ground with blood streaming from his mouth. The Innaloo player was red-carded and Brad was conveyed to the emergency department at nearby Fremantle Hospital. Not long after, the third quarter siren sounded and SNESA moved to its huddle.

As a player, there are maybe a handful of times in your career that you get to experience a moment that stays with you long after retirement, and that third quarter address from Jack McGillivray to the team was one of them. Jack put it to the boys: “If you are prepared to let your teammate wear that … ” – and that was all that was needed – as something powerful was ignited within the boys that led to a fourth quarter of highlights that would rival any at AFL level. SNESA went on to run over the top of Innaloo, halt their three years of being undefeated and win the 1997 grand final.

After the game, a premiership medal was taken to Fremantle Hospital where someone snuck their way into emergency to get it to Brad.

Brad Richards-Scully’s jaw was broken in two places during the 1997 grand final, although his pain was eased a little when a premiership medallion was delivered to him in the emergency department of Fremantle Hospital.

Year 12 Koinonia portrait photographs of John Wilson and Joe Sciorilli (both Class of 1985), Matt Bianchini (1990) and Harjit Dhillon (1992).

ST NORBERT EX STUDENT ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB

E GRADE – Premiers – 1997

BACK ROW: Neville Panizza (Deputy Vice Captain), Michael Kelly, Steve Mulvey, Paul Mulvey, Sean McGillivray, Barry Cable, Joe Sciorilli, Jim Conway.

MIDDLE ROW: Darryl Cowie, Mark Chmielewski, Peter Robert, Elvis Viduka, Robert Bormolini, Scott McGuire, Dave Dent, Che Heeley, Mark Veza (Manager), Warwick Martin.

FRONT ROW: Harjit Dhillon, Steve Bonetti, John Wilson, Ashley Wallis (Captain), Jack McGillivray (Coach), Kevin Kelly (Vice Captain), Richard Bianchini, Mark Versaico, Brad Scully.

ABSENT: Adam Jongeling, Micheal Fisher, Mark Guice.

1997 E GRADE Premiership TEAM REUNION

PARKLAND MAZDA OVAL, AUGUST 8, 2022

Mr Joe Sciorilli (Class of 1985) is a SNESA Life Member who held down the full-back position in 1997 and offered the following pithy observations about his triumphant teammates at the reunion.

Despite the rather self-deprecating opinion of his own performance on the big day, Norbertus has it on good authority that Joe’s contribution to the cause in 1997 was of the highest calibre.

Ash Wallace: Captain of the 1997 premiership team and starred in the grand final.

Rob Bormolini: One of our elder statesmen. Great at short passing, mainly because he couldn’t see much further!

Mark Versaico: One of our inaugural Colts players who went on to be one of our standout players in the League team.

Joe Sciorilli: One of the most passionate spectators of the 1997 grand final!

Paul Mulvey: Our reliable ruckman/forward who made friends with an opponent called Troy.

Mark Veza: Our Mr Reliable ruckman until his knees became unreliable.

Harjit Dhillon: A handy half-forward and also very handy at getting you a home loan.

John Wilson: Mr Clubman extraordinaire. Before Facebook there was John Wilson! Able to catch up with people from everywhere.

Peter Robert: You could bank on Pete giving his all on the ground.

Kevin Kelly: SNESA’s very own Benjamin Button.

John Moffat: Our goal kicking wingman who didn’t mind celebrating a goal.

Matt Bianchini: Vice-like hands as our half forward.

Brad Richards-Scully: Mr Reliable on the field and now keeping us safe off the field.

1997 premiership players catch up at Parkland Mazda Oval in August this year (left to right): Ash Wallace, Rob Bormolini, Mark Versaico, Joe Sciorilli, Paul Mulvey, Mark Veza, Harjit Dhillon, John Wilson, Peter Robert, Kevin Kelly, John Moffat, Matt Bianchini and Brad Richards-Scully.

Mr Kevin Kelly: FOOTBALLER EXTRAORDINAIRE … AND NICE BLOKE

There is no “I” in SNESA and it is true that the Club consists of a mosaic of unique and talented individuals, families and mates who together provide the perfect blend of what a great family-oriented, communitycentred footy club should be. But, if you were to going looking for some individuals who have truly punched above their stature, Mr Kevin “Shabby” Kelly would be one of the first blokes you would uncover.

After a glittering career that stretched over 25 years, Kevin holds the SNESA Club games record with a tally of 350 games. Twice Kevin tasted premiership success (in 1993 and 1997), was League captain on four occasions (1994 and 1998-2000), crowned Best and Fairest winner on five occasions (1989, 1991-2, 1994 and 2005), and was the inaugural Player Vote Medallist in 2005.

Too modest and team-oriented to receive the full Norbertus interview treatment, Kevin has left a wonderful legacy for all young players at the Club to emulate. It is fitting that the Club’s League team’s Best and Fairest player is the recipient of the Kevin Kelly Medal, so that his name and achievements will forever be remembered. Mr Kevin Kelly, Norbertus and SNESA salute you!

SNESA club stalwart Mark George dug out this 1990s profile of Kevin just in time for the 1997 premiership team reunion.

This year’s Kevin Kelly Medal was presented at the Raffles Hotel.

Kevin’s Year 12 Koinonia photograph in 1985.

Mr Kevin Kelly (Class of 1985) acquitted himself with distinction both on and off the field during his 350-game career at SNESA Football Club.

Mr Kevin Kelly: FOOTBALLER EXTRAORDINAIRE … AND NICE BLOKE

The G.O.A.T

I only met Kevin Kelly in the twilight of his career. When we say Kevin Kelly at the Club, people sometimes don’t know who that is. But when we say Shabby, people’s eyes light up. Anybody who was around SNESA between the late 1980s and early 2010s knows who Shabby is and the quality

footballer he was for our Club. He had a natural ability to read the play, find the ball, find time and deliver. His leadership attributes, and above all his humility in his attitude is what we love and admire about his career most. The greatest of all time in my opinion.

Aoun Past President, Life Member

SNESA’s Benjamin Button

Kevin Kelly came to the club as a 19 or 20-year-old. Still adjusting as a country boy settling into the city, he was quite reserved initially. From the getgo, he was a hard-running rover for the club with the ability to win the ball and break away with speed. Whilst he was a handy contributor when he commenced, he continued to develop and become a goal-kicking midfielder. He started winning Best and Fairest awards in his mid- to late-twenties.

What was even more remarkable, was his ability to maintain this form deep into his thirties – the Benjamin Button of SNESA. He also embraced his leadership roles and won the respect of many for his commitment, consistency and genuine, friendly demeanour.

Joe Sciorilli Life Member, Premiership Player

Not So Shabby

Kevin Kelly started his career at SNESA at the age of 18, having graduated from St Norbert College in 1986. Kevin, or Shabby as he is known, soon started to establish himself as an up-and-coming player with an ability to read the play, amass possessions and create opportunities out of nothing – all without ever handballing!

During the 1990s Shabby began to accumulate an impressive array of awards, was a pivotal member of the 1993 and 1997 premiership sides and gained recognition for his outstanding ability – not only as a footballer – but equally as a leader. Perhaps even more important than all this, Shabby was an all-round nice guy.

I was President in 2005, and was asked by the League coach Graeme White if a new award could be presented at the end of the year, one voted by the players after each game. As Shabby was due to play his 350th game that year, it was decided toname the award in his honour

and to recognise his outstanding football career and contribution to SNESA Football Club.

When the votes were counted, it became apparent that the player after whom the medal was named was going to become its inaugural winner, such was the stature, respect and quality of football that Shabby was playing well into his 30s.

At the awards night, the medal was unveiled as being in Shabby’s honour and he was duly asked up on stage to present it. Standing there, very proud and humble, waiting to hang the medal around the inaugural winner’s neck, Whitey spoke of the achievements and respect the players had for the inaugural winner and then turned and presented Shabby with his own medal.

And this is was how it all started …

John Wilson Past President, Life Member

Rafic

SNESA FOOTBALL CLUB - Alive and Kicking!

Norbertus’s roving football correspondent braved some extremely unpleasant weather conditions and dropped into Parkland Mazda Oval for the SNESA combined Family Day and Br Patrick Doolan Memorial Medal Day on August 8 this year, and caught up with some players, past players, volunteers and officials …

Name Jayme Thompson (nee Williams)

Class of 2005

House Kilnacrott

Homeroom teacher Frank Mulligan

Favourite subject Italian Favourite teacher Frank Mulligan Occupation Menulog delivery driver Suburb Haynes

AFL club Eagles

Family Children Riley, Calissa, Taylar and Isaiah

SNC memory Great facilities – pool, Xanten Theatre

SNESA Photographer, brother Ben plays League

Name Rafic Aoun

Class of 2004

House Xanten

Homeroom teacher Tatia Sly

Favourite subject Economics

Favourite teacher Bronson Gherardi

Occupation Containers for Change regional manager

Suburb Beckenham

AFL club Eagles

SNC memory Year 10 camp

SNESA Long-serving President, 72 games played, honorary life member

Name Joe Sciorilli

Class of 1985

Homeroom teacher André Papineau

Favourite subject Mathematics Favourite teacher André Papineau

Occupation Head of Senior School, UFCC

Suburb South of river

AFL club Dockers

Family Wife Marie and daughters Caitlin & Jasmine

SNC memory Winning ACC football premiership SNESA Life member, played 230 games, 1997 premiership

Name Matthew Thomas

Class of 2002

House Xanten

Homeroom teacher Lyndsey Cardenia

Favourite subject Mathematics

Favourite teacher Anna Scanlan Occupation Doctor, progressing to psychiatry Suburb Victoria Park AFL club Brisbane

Family Engaged to Kate SNC memory Performing in College musicals

SNESA Thirds coach, coached 80 games, played 80

Name Ben Magry

Class of 2007, joined SNC in Year 10 from Corpus Christi

House Kilnacrott

Homeroom teacher Frank Mulligan

Favourite subject Metalwork

Favourite teacher Don Cencic, Frank Mulligan

Occupation Concreter

Suburb Canning Vale

AFL club North Melbourne

SNC memory Year 10 camp

SNESA Played 115 games

Name Lennon Butler

Class of 2018

House Magdeburg

Homeroom teacher Rebecca Humphry

Favourite subject Specialised basketball

Favourite teacher Melda Lim

Occupation Building manager

Suburb Forrestfield

AFL club Greater Western Sydney

SNC memory USA basketball tour

SNESA Played 70 games

Name Walter Julien

Class of 2015

House Xanten

Homeroom teacher Kim Walker

Favourite subject Physical education

Favourite teacher Anna Garton

Occupation Air-conditioning technician

Suburb Champion Lakes

AFL club St Kilda

SNC memory Two ACC football premierships

SNESA Played 105 games

Name Calum Butler

Class of 2007

House Magdeburg

Homeroom teacher Dr Killian O’Reilly

Favourite subject Physical education

Favourite teacher Simon Harvey Occupation Electrician

Suburb Southern River

AFL club North Melbourne

Family Married to Courtney

SNC memory Making mates for life

SNESA Life member, played 235 games

SNESA FOOTBALL CLUB - Alive and Kicking!

Name Bella Butler

Class of 2016

House Magdeburg

Homeroom teacher Su-Fen Chung

Favourite subject Physical education

Favourite teacher Su-Fen Chung Occupation Receptionist

Suburb Forrestfield

AFL club North Melbourne

SNC memory Year 9 camp

SNESA Volunteer

Name Vinnie Paparone

Class of 2011

House Prémontré

Homeroom teacher Tania Tatum, Anthony Dundo

Favourite subject Mathematics

Favourite teacher Anthony Dundo Occupation Electrician Suburb Bentley AFL club Eagles

SNC memory Year 10 camp SNESA Played 130 games

Name Ryan Edmunds

Class of 2004

House Prémontré

Homeroom teacher Bronson Gherardi

Favourite subject Physical education

Favourite teacher Bronson Gherardi Occupation Work, health and safety officer

Suburb East Cannington

AFL club Eagles

Family Wife Bianca and children Luca and Pia

SNC memory Friendships made SNESA Life member, played 151 games

Name Brendan Colkers

Class of 2004

House Xanten

Homeroom teacher Kerri Hilton

Favourite subject Physical education

Favourite teacher Don Cencic Occupation Apprentice mentor for Toyota Suburb Byford

AFL club Eagles

Family Engaged to Caris, baby Poppy

SNC memory Year 10 retreat

SNESA Life member, Reserves coach, played 167 games

Name John Wilson

Class of 1985

Homeroom teacher André Papineau

Favourite subject Biology

Favourite teacher Diana Tersigni Occupation Medical practice manager

Suburb Lathlain

AFL club Dockers

Family Wife Alison and children Seoirse and Roisin

SNC memory Receiving multiple detentions for creating a still-life sculpture in clay

SNESA Former President, life member, played 278 games

Name Hayden Burgoyne

Class of 2009

House Kilnacrott

Homeroom teacher Danielle Pisconeri

Favourite subject Physical education

Favourite teacher Lyndsey Cardenia

Occupation Transport company state operations manager

Suburb Brabham

AFL club Eagles

Family Wife Jasmine and son Lucas

SNC memory ACC football premiership

SNESA Life member, played 180 games

Name Brad Richards-Scully

Class of 1988

House Xanten House Captain

Homeroom teacher Kathy Lovasz

Favourite subject Physics

Favourite teacher Kevin O’Brien

Occupation WA Police

Suburb Victoria Park

AFL club Carlton

Family Wife Kerri (Class of 1991) and Ben, Jack, Abbey and Nick

SNC memory SRC Treasurer SNESA Played 105 games, 1997 premiership

Name Rebecca Boxell (nee Ieraci)

Class of 2005

House Magdeburg House Captain

Homeroom teacher Su-Fen Chung

Favourite subject Science

Favourite teacher Dr Killian O’Reilly Occupation Hairdresser Suburb Bertram

Family Husband Nathan and Noah, Aliyha and Beau

SNC memory Lasting friendships like Nadia! SNESA Volunteer and supporter

Name Joel Parker

Class of 2012

House Prémontré

Homeroom teacher Celeste Grosser

Favourite subject History

Favourite teacher Scott Hodgen

Occupation WA Police

Suburb Lathlain

AFL club Port Adelaide

SNC memory Winning the swimming for Prémontré SNESA Played 120 games

SNESA FOOTBALL CLUB - Alive and Kicking!

Name Nadia Rath (nee Passalacqua)

Class of 2005

House Tongerlo

Homeroom teacher Alicia Travaglioni

Favourite subject Physical education Favourite teacher Simon Harvey Occupation Recruitment consultant Suburb Queens Park AFL club Eagles

Family Husband Jamie (Class of 2004) and daughter Ruby SNC memory Fun times in Years 11 and 12 SNESA Supporter

Name Antonella Pizzali (nee Passalacqua, with Gia)

Class of 2008

House Tongerlo

Homeroom teacher Jen Jansen

Favourite subject Early childhood studies

Favourite teacher Alicia Travaglione Occupation Beauty therapist Suburb Yokine AFL club Eagles

Family Husband Michael, and Gia and Georgi SNC memory Year 10 camp and the friends made SNESA Supporter

Name Chris Millsteed

Class of 2004

House Magdeburg

Homeroom teacher Glenda Lobo

Favourite subject Applicable mathematics Favourite teacher Disliked them all equally!

Occupation Sonographer Suburb Victoria Park

AFL club Dockers

Family Wife Jade and son Luen

SNC memory Making mates, including my Year 12 teachers

SNESA Life member, played 256 games

Name Brendan Hall

Class of 2007

House Tongerlo Homeroom teacher Alicia Travlione

Favourite subject Physical education Favourite teacher Alicia Travlione Occupation Teacher Suburb Kewdale AFL club St Kilda

Family Engaged to Alexx

SNC memory Playing a curtain raiser at Subiaco SNESA Life member, played 169 games

Name Mark Colace

Class of 2009

House Tongerlo

Homeroom teacher Mick Doherty

Favourite subject Physical education, mathematics

Favourite teacher Mark Pavy, Melda Lim, John Van Nus Occupation Glazier Suburb Melville AFL club Adelaide Crows Family Wife Elle-Therese

SNC memory History trip SNESA Life member, played 204 games

Name Darren Biddle

Class of 2010

House Tongerlo

Homeroom teacher Mrs Green

Favourite subject Physical education

Favourite teacher Dr Killian O’Reilly Occupation Electrician Suburb Cloverdale

AFL club Eagles

SNC memory ACC football premiership SNESA Life member, played 170 games

Name Caius Kelly

Class of 2009

House Tongerlo

Homeroom teacher Christine Cunningham

Favourite subject Mathematics

Favourite teacher Lyndsey Cardenia Occupation Manufacturing business Suburb Como

AFL club Eagles

SNC memory Oliver Desvaux

SNESA Life member, played 150 games

Name Mark Lupica

Class of 2005

House Kilnacrott

Homeroom teacher Don Cencic

Favourite subject Drama Favourite teacher Anna Scanlan Occupation Manager Suburb Morley

AFL club Carlton Family Wife Allana (Class of 2009) and son Matteo

SNC memory St Norbert Days SNESA Honorary life member, played 1 game, coached 168

2022 SNESA Football Club Awards

RAFFLES HOTEL, SEPTEMBER 17, 2022

50 games

Mason Stott, Michael Guest, Jacob Jones

100 games

Cooper Carrington, Stephen Grigg, Ben Hall

Walter Julien (Class of 2015)

150 games Caius Kelly (2009)

200 games Mark Colace (2009)

250 games Chris Millsteed (2004)

Leading Goalkicker Hayden Burgoyne (2009)

Players of Finals:

Reserves Dean Nelson (2004)

League Jarrad Smith

Rising Star Jack Zappelli

Most Umpire Votes Calum Butler (2007)

THIRDS

Coaches Award James Balcomb

Defender of Year Jack Goodbody

Fairest and Best Runner-Up Jordan Kane Fairest and Best Ben Magry (2007)

Rafic Aoun Medallist Ben Magry (2007)

RESERVES

Coaches Award Logan Stott

Defender of Year Kyle Beattie

Fairest and Best Runner-Up Logan Stott Rob Bormolini Trophy Eathan Brunet Wilson/Dent Medallist Mason Stott

LEAGUE

Defender of Year Joel Parker

Best Team Player Dennis Colbung

Most Consistent Matthew Blackburn

Fairest and Best Runner-Up Ben Williams (2015) Fairest and Best Josh Dobbs (2017)

Kevin Kelly Medallist Ben Williams

Life Members

Tim Williams (2003) Caius Kelly (2009)

Life Member and former President Rafic Aoun.

Newly inducted Life Member Caius Kelly.

2022 SNESA Football Club Awards

League defender of the year Joel Parker and League assistant coach Anthony Lo Presti.

Rafic Aoun Medallist Ben Magry. Vinnie Paparone.

Kevin Kelly Medallist Ben Williams and Kevin Kelly.

Calum Butler and leading goalkicker Hayden Burgoyne.

Calum Butler and Walter Julien who played his 100th SNESA game this year.

Retiring League coach Mark Lupica, Ben Williams and Josh Dobbs.

League fairest and best Josh Dobbs and Anthony Lo Presti.

2022 SNESA KEVIN KELLY MEDAL Awards Night

Jayme Thompson Photography

Mr Laurie Catalino

2022 SNESA Football Club President Mr Laurie Catalano (Class of 2001) began his association with the club in 2016 when former President Mr Rafic Aoun organised a SNESA pre-season camp to assist Laurie’s family after the devastating Yarloop bushfires in the Southwest.

“Rafic volunteered SNESA’s help after we lost our farm, and about 30 players and former players travelled to the hills of Waroona to help with the start of the clean-up,” Laurie said. “The team knocked out about six weeks of work in just two days and our family will be forever grateful.”

After experiencing the SNESA spirit first-hand, Laurie got involved in the club, playing 10 games for the Saints after having completed stints at Belmont and Jandakot Football Clubs where he initially hung up his boots. In addition to his attempts to come out of retirement, Laurie has rarely missed a Saturday fixture for SNESA since 2016 and is always willing to be of assistance in any capacity and give back to the club that helped his family in their time of need. “I held a post as team manager first, then Committee member, followed by Vice President and then ultimately President,” Laurie said.

Laurie paid tribute to Rafic’s contribution during his six-year tenure as President when the club was reinvigorated both on and off the field. “Rafic provided the club with a great basis and I am passionate about continuing his great work whilst bringing a fresh perspective to the role and taking the club to new heights.”

Laurie attended St Norbert College from 1997 to 2001 as a member of Mr Don Cencic’s Kilnacrott Homeroom and enjoyed his time at the College. “St Norbert College was an inspiring and entertaining learning experience that set the basis for my adult life,” Laurie said.

When not swinging on a rope from the roof of the ORC during outdoor education lessons – “I’m not sure that would happen today!” – Laurie enjoyed some more sedate subjects, especially mathematics with Ms Sharon Rainford. “Ms Rainford always pushed me to do better and ultimately set me up to be able to pursue my career of choice – for this I am ever grateful.”

2022 SNESA PRESIDENT

After leaving the St Norbert’s Laurie moved to Melbourne to undertake four years of aircraft maintenance training with Qantas and spent 11 years working for the airline as an aircraft maintenance engineer at Perth Airport where he specialised in working on Boeing 737s. After leaving Qantas Laurie secured a variety of aviation management roles and now hold a national management position with Premiair Aviation of Australia where he is quality and safety manager. “I am responsible for Legislative compliance of the business in accordance with International Regulations and also the Safety of all personnel within the business across Australia. I enjoy the challenges the role presents and working with a great team of professionals,” Laurie said.

Laurie keeps in touch with a few of his 2001 classmates such as Paul Swanson and Dylan Parry and obviously through the football club, associates with many ex-students he knows from his time at the College.

When not working or at SNESA, Laurie enjoys camping and fishing with his wife and three children, two of who are currently enrolled at the College, as well as travelling to destinations such as the eastern states, South East Asia, the USA and the UK.

When asked to sum up his thoughts about the SNESA Football Club, Laurie focuses on the club’s culture. “SNESA is a familyorientated club with inclusive programs for all players and volunteers,” he said, “and we want to win premierships based upon those foundations.”

This year SNESA fielded three teams in the Perth Football League, comprised of former St Norbert’s students, local players, some from further afield and even some AFL stars. Laurie places a strong emphasis on the club’s allegiance to St Norbert College and is determined to see that unbreakable bond continue. “Youth is my number-one focus, and attracting players out of Year 12 into the team will be the next big driver for the committee and coaches alike.”

Norbertus congratulates Laurie on his auspicious start as President and wishes him and the Club continued success both on and off the field.

In 2016 SNESA players helped clean up Laurie Catalano’s

by the Yarloop bushfires.

Mr Laurie Catalano commenced his role as the President of the SNESA Football Club towards the end of 2021.

family farm which was badly impacted